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The Omicron variant is said to be more contagious than the Delta variant. Researchers from Switzerland even predict that the Omicron variant is 500 percent more contagious, so experts urge the public to understand and recognize the symptoms and how to prevent it. Researchers revealed that there was a 100-fold explosion of Covid-19 cases in South Africa in November 2021, which was triggered by the Omicron variant of the corona virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the Omicron variant was detected for the first time in South Africa, and now there are 89 countries that have reported cases of the new viral variant . On the other hand, WHO states that currently available information is still minimal. Meanwhile, epidemiological data obtained from South Africa cannot be used to determine how large the transmission rate of the Omicron variant is.
Experts say the Omicron variant is more contagious than other variants, which is thought to be the trigger for the explosion of cases, which is not only happening in South Africa. The UK also recorded a spike in Covid-19 cases due to the B.1.1.529 variant.
Meanwhile, WHO suspects that the mutation of the corona virus will cause a higher number of cases than the previous variant, considering that the Omicron variant is more infectious than the original virus, and is even said to be 500 percent more infectious than the Delta variant. Although in the initial report the Omicron variant was said to be milder, hospitalization cases due to this variant still occurred, and even one death was recorded in the UK.
"Omicron is also suspected to be able to avoid protection from vaccines and previous infections. Therefore, WHO has included this new variant of Covid-19 on the list of variants of concern, aka variants that require attention."
Symptoms of the Omicron variant
Currently, experts agree that the symptoms of the Omicron variant tend to be the same as other variants. Although the impact experienced by each patient exposed to Omicron may be different, the symptoms of the Omicron variant are similar to the corona virus that was first discovered in China.
"The characteristics of the symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to the symptoms of influenza virus infection. The appearance of symptoms is influenced by the patient's general health condition, as well as the level of the immune system and its ability to fight the virus." Based on the limited findings in a limited number of patients, the common symptoms of the Omicron variant include:
• Fatigue
• Running out of energy
• Muscle pain all over the body
• Headache
• Sore throat
Other less common symptoms of the Omicron variant include shortness of breath, as well as loss of smell and taste or anosmia.
If you feel the symptoms of Covid-19 such as high fever followed by cough and shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately and always wear a mask to prevent transmission to others.
It should be noted that the symptoms experienced by each patient exposed to Covid-19 depend on vaccination status, age, comorbidities, and a history of previous infection. Based on research, symptoms in people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 are more severe than those who have been fully vaccinated.
How to prevent Omicron variant
To prevent exposure to Covid-19 including the Omicron variant of Covid, you must implement strict health protocols. Maintain a safe distance of at least 1 meter from other people, wear a mask when in public places, and wash hands regularly with soap. "Vaccines have also been proven to reduce the risk of infection, including from the new Covid-19 variant. Follow the available vaccination program to complete doses. If there is a booster vaccine program, follow it so that the body's immune system that has been formed from the first and second vaccines is stronger. strong."