What is Omicron? Why you should and should not be afraid of it?

The evolution of the COVID-19 Virus has been consistent. With the development of new cures, the virus has mutated into new forms which can avoid the invented remedies. Some recent mutants of the virus include Delta, Gamma, Beta, and Alpha. Omicron is the latest evolution in the variant version of that virus. It contains 30 mutations in the spike proteins, making it more effective in invading the immune system. Omicron has better capabilities of penetrating and deteriorating the infected cells.

The first report about Omicron was found in Botswana and then South Africa, and after that, in numerous more countries, cases of Omicron have been located. The unusually high number of mutations in the Virus makes it a matter of concern for the world. Still, the modifications have not clarified any complete response on the human body till now.

Some countries have already taken precautions by banning any travel from South Africa, which scientists refer to as a “kneejerk reaction”. Till now, the standard procedures have been followed for the precaution and treatment of Omicron like vaccines, sanitization, social distancing, quarantine, regular washing of hands, and wearing a face mask.

Earlier it was found that Omicron cases have similarities with flu symptoms. Omicron resulted in fatigue and headaches. Body ache is also a symptom common in both Omicron and flu. The Delta variant (which is the one preceding Omicron) affected the oxygen levels and elevated the pulse rates. Delta also affected the smell and taste of the infected patient.

Why should you be afraid of Omicron Virus?

The Omicron is the latest evolution in the type of Coronavirus. The world is in terror about the outbreak and impact of this new virus. A few points and facts make this Virus worse than all those the world has encountered before. These stand by as the reasons justifying why you should be afraid of the Omicron virus:

• The infecting range and the spreading rate will undoubtedly be more than the SARS-CoV-2 Virus. There are heavy chances that anyone with Omicron infection can infect others irrespective of the vaccination that has been provided.

• The utility of the current medications and vaccination remains unknown and unchecked on this Virus. There are chances that this can cause more fatal effects than all the previous variants and cannot be prevented using the current vaccines because they have been developed using the older variants of the Virus.

• The 30 mutation spikes that the Virus has displayed in the spike proteins are a significant cause of concern because the mutation in the protein spikes helps the Virus penetrate the infected cells and cause more significant damage.

Why should you not be afraid of Omicron Virus?

The Omicron virus has been a leading problem in the contemporary world, but there are reasons that will help you to understand that there is no such need to panic or be afraid of the Omicron virus:

• There are very few cases of Omicron Virus. There has been no global outbreak of the Virus till now. Hence, if treated with proper precautions and measures, it can be diminished in the starting phase.

• The standard forms of prevention have proved to be effective against all forms of Viruses, So, what preventive measures the world took in time of other variants will surely help stop Omicron as well.

• There are no scientific results about the fatality rate or the severity of getting infected from Omicron. There might be chances it is not as strong as Delta Virus.

So, as a final note, we can go back to the saying (which by now has become a cliché) - wear a mask, use sanitizer, and maintain social distancing. The Omicron virus may or may not be as lethal as the coronavirus, but prevention is always wise!