Omicron Variant

Over the past few months, a new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been at the headlines of all major news outlets. The Omicron variant, like the Delta variant, is a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is being carefully watched by medical experts across the globe. Much is still unknown about this variant and how it might impact our approach to the virus, however, there are a few facts we do know as of right now.

COVID-19 is a highly transferable virus, and thus our number one concern when approaching the variant is whether it is more or less likely to spread. Initial reports from the Center for Disease Control state that Omicron spreads more easily than the initial COVID-19 and is likely on-apar or more likely to spread than the Delta variant. However, the World Health Organization has stated there is no conclusive evidence yet. Keeping this in mind, everyone should still treat the Omicron variant as seriously as the initial COVID-19 variant was treated.

While the spread might be on-par with the rest of the variants of COVID-19, what is to be said about the symptoms of Omicron? Unfortunately, both the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control have stated it is unknown at the time whether the Omicron variant’s symptoms are severe. This is due to the small number of cases, as well as most of the cases being found in South America. The country’s already high amount of people being hospitalized means medical experts are unsure if the surge is due to Omicron, or due to the country’s high number of cases. What we can state is that the symptoms are like that of the Delta variant and of the initial variant of COVID-19.

During all this uncertainty about the Omicron variant, we do know a few key details about the virus. The Center for Disease Control has reported that there was an increase in breakthrough cases, which are cases where fully vaccinated people contract the virus. There was also an increase in reinfections or people that have already had COVID-19 before. This alone is why the Omicron variant should be taken seriously. Though, what should be done about this variant, and what precautions should we take against it?

Vaccines — Despite the fact that the Omicron variant has a higher amount of breakthrough cases than Delta and the initial virus, that doesn’t mean vaccines are useless. On the contrary, vaccines continue to provide substantial protection against all variants of COVID-19. In regard to Omicron, the World Health Organization has stated that the vaccines substantially reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to the virus.

Masks — Masks remain the top preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, even with the introduction of the Omicron variant. When an infected individual wears a mask, they severely reduce the likelihood of them spreading the virus. This is crucial due to the virus’s incubation period. During the incubation period, the virus is undetectable by both tests and the body, while still being able to spread. The use of masks, then, help reduce the risk of the virus spreading while the host is unaware.

Testing — The final measure against the Omicron variant that the Center for Disease Control recommends is testing. If someone suspects they might have COVID-19, there’s no better way to be certain than with a home test. By knowing if you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus, you’re able to self-quarantine and protect those you know from the virus. This step is crucial to the fight against COIVD-19 and the Omicron variant.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Omicron Variant, though there is no information stating the variant is less severe and less likely to spread. Thus, we should still treat the Omicron variant as seriously as the Delta variant and the initial spread of COVID-19. Continue to wear masks and continue to vaccinate against the virus. If you find yourself in need of any COVID-19 related supplies, from masks to home tests, from gowns to CPR masks, they can be found here at CPR Savers.