All about Omicron variant and precautions to take to protect your family

 

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been called a variant of concern by WHO. Omicron is spreading faster than any previous variant, with a doubling time of 2-3 days. The overall risk related to this variant remains very high.

What is 'stealth' BA.2 Omicron?

BA.2 is a subvariant of Omicron - sometimes referred to as “stealth Omicron". It is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 globally and is the most transmissible variant of the virus to date, according to the World Health Organization. BA.2 is not seen as more severe than the other types of Omicron, but with the huge increase in the number of cases, there has been an increase in hospitalizations in countries around the world. In many countries the lifting of public health measures, such as the use of masks and physical distancing, is contributing to the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccines are still showing strong protection against severe illness and death, including against Omicron.  

How did the Omicron variant develop? 

When a virus is circulating widely and causing numerous infections, the likelihood of the virus mutating increases. The more opportunities a virus has to spread, the more opportunities it has to undergo changes.

Variants like Omicron are a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. It is therefore essential that people get the vaccine when available to them and continue to follow existing advice on preventing the spread of the virus, including physical distancing, wearing masks, regular handwashing and keeping indoor areas well ventilated.

It is also crucial that vaccines and other public health measures are accessible everywhere. Vaccine inequity leaves lower income countries – many of them in Africa – at the mercy of COVID-19. 

Where is the Omicron variant present? 

Omicron has now been detected in most countries, after the variant was first detected in November 2021. 

Is the Omicron variant more severe than other COVID-19 variants? 

There is a reduced risk of hospitalization for Omicron compared to the Delta variant. But WHO warns that it should not be dismissed as “mild”. An increase in the number of COVID-19 related deaths because of the Omicron variant have been seen in many countries, especially where vaccination levels are low among vulnerable populations.

It is important to remember that all variants of COVID-19 can cause severe disease or death, which is why preventing the spread of the virus and reducing your risk of exposure to the virus is so important.

Is the Omicron variant more contagious? 

Yes, the Omicron variant is more contagious than previous variants. However, being vaccinated and taking precautions such as avoiding crowded spaces, keeping your distance from others and wearing a mask are critical in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Does the Omicron variant cause different symptoms?  

There is no information to suggest that Omicron causes different symptoms from other COVID-19 variants. Omicron does however typically cause less severe disease than previous variants like Delta.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines effective against the Omicron variant?  

The WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing severe illness and death, including against Omicron. The vaccines offer reduced protection against infection and mild disease from Omicron though, which is why it's important to continue taking measures to reduce the spread of the virus - such as physical distancing, mask wearing, good ventilation and regular handwashing.

It is also important to be vaccinated to protect against the other widely circulating variants, such as the Delta one. When it’s your turn, make sure to get vaccinated. If your vaccination involves two doses, it’s important to receive both in order to have the maximum protection.

  

Is a prior COVID-19 infection effective against the Omicron variant?

If you had COVID-19 before, it is possible that you can be reinfected by Omicron. You should get vaccinated even if you’ve previously had COVID-19. While people who recover from COVID-19 may develop some natural immunity to the virus, we do not yet know how long it lasts or how well you are protected. Vaccines offer more reliable protection.

Do current COVID-19 tests detect the Omicron variant? 

The widely used PCR and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests continue to detect infection of COVID-19, including Omicron.

Are children more likely to contract the Omicron variant? 

The Omicron variant is the most transmissible variant to date for all age groups, including both adults and children. So, an increase in the number of children affected is expected. People who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. 

How can I protect myself and my family against the Omicron variant?

The most important thing you can do is reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. The main ways to protect yourself and your loved ones are: 

- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask.

- Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others. 

- Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.

- Open windows to improve ventilation indoors.

- Wash your hands regularly.  

- When it’s your turn, get vaccinated. 

- Check your local health authority for more information on the approved COVID-19 vaccines available to you.  

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor