Omicron Variant: Know what Vizag’s top health expert has to say

Just when India was recovering from the devastating effects of the second wave of the Covid-19, powered by the Delta variant of the same virus, Omicron, another notorious variant of the Covid-19 virus has resurfaced.  Omicron has been designated a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is believed to have over 50 mutations, including over 30 on the spike protein, which makes it significantly more infectious than the Delta variant.

India reported its first two cases of the Omicron Coronavirus variant on Thursday. However, the Central Government said it had no immediate plan to authorise booster vaccine shots despite demands from lawmakers. Initial reports have suggested increased transmissibility of this variant. Added to this, Governments across the world have started pushing for the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.  This has created a lot of commotion over this subject. To answer various questions the people of Vizag had on the Omicron Covid-19 variant, Yo! Vizag got in touch with Andhra Medical College (AMC) Principal, Dr. Sudhakar. Here is what he has to say.

What is unusual about the Omicron variant? 

“There are two very unusual aspects about the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 Virus. One is that it has multiple mutations. This means this variant has rapid succession across geographical regions and people. Another unusual aspect about the Omicron variant is that it is very transferrable. In the literal sense, this variant is five times more transferrable than the other Covid-19 variants.”

Does the Omicron variant make people more susceptible and sicker than the other Covid-19 variants?

“It is not established as yet that the Omicron Covid-19 variant makes people sicker or causes severe illness. However, the symptoms remain the same.”  

Will the Omicron variant be able to evade Covid-19 vaccines?

“No. Not really. Though the Omicron variant has multiple mutations, it has been found that the majority of the infected had immunodeficiency or had not been vaccinated completely. I would like to clarify here that the Covid-19 vaccines don’t rule out the chances of getting infected by the Omicron variant, but provide for higher chances of not getting infected.” 

Particularly indoors, should we step up mask usage?

“It depends on the number of people you are meeting and the place. I sincerely recommend we get back to following the Covod-19 protocols and follow them with due diligence.”  

Do those who have been previously infected with the Covid-19 virus, have a higher chance/risk of reinfection?

“There is neither evidence nor studies that have established this fact.”

What is the current situation of Covid-19 in Vizag?

“The Covid-19 situation in Vizag is well under control. Earlier the district used to record 20 to 40 cases in a week. This number has fallen to 10 – 30.”

Omicron Covid-19 Variant Cases in India:

On 2 December, 2021, the first case of the Omicron variant was confirmed in two individuals in Karnataka. One of them was a South African national and has already left the country. 

Two international air travellers, including a child, from ‘at risk’ nations, tested positive for COVID-19, early Friday morning,  upon their arrival in Tamil Nadu. The respective state government, however, has denied reports that they were cases of Omicron.

Reportedly, 12 Omicron suspects have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital in Delhi.