Ever since the Omicron variant of Covid-19 has come into being, it has led to a wave of fear among the masses. Every now and then, you get notifications and updates related to the virus that has reached almost all the major cities of our country. The variant that was classified by the World Health Organization in late November, last year, is now a cause of concern all across the globe. Luckily, just like any other Covid-19 variant, Omicron can be prevented by sticking to the guidelines and following all the SOPs religiously. However, there are certain things that you need to know about this variant, and we have discussed some of these in this blog.

1. Omicron variant spreads at an accelerated pace- As per leading experts, one of the greatest concerns related to the Omicron variant is its transmissibility. It is trading at a significantly fast pace as compared to other variants of Covid-19. The global upsurge is crossing new marks, with the daily new cases crossing the 10,000 mark. In India alone, the rate of transmission is 1.22, which clearly suggests a wider spread in cases. The first case of Omicron was discovered on 2nd December 2021, in Karnataka, and at present, there are over 4000 reported cases in the country. Some studies have suggested that the symptoms related to the omicron variant are not as severe as other variants, however, more Studies and Research are required to back this.

2. The monoclonal antibodies are not as effective against omicron - It has been found that either of the two monoclonal antibodies that are available at present, have considerably less efficacy against the omicron variant. Both of these have worked wonders for patients against covid-19, including those falling in the high-risk category. At present, Sotrovimab seems to be quite effective against the variant, however, the antibody is not available widely and it is not certain when it will exactly reach India.

3. It is high time to get you Covid-19 boosters - Covid-19 vaccination has proved to be a boon that has helped to manage the dramatic rise in Covid cases and bring it down significantly. The vaccination not only helps to alleviate the risks of the virus but also helps to lower the complications related to the same. Experts are hopeful that just like the vaccinations have worked for Covid-19 and Delta variants, the efficacy may also extend to Omicron. As such, it is high time to get your booster dose, to make sure that your shield stays strong.

4. Following the SOPs is still mandatory - With so many variants of Covid-19 coming forth, it has become more important, than ever, to stick to the guidelines and break the chain of spread. These include:

• Get your vaccination done at the earliest. The Paediatric Vaccination Drive has also started recently and children aged between 15 to 17 years can also get their dose.
• Go for the booster dose as soon as you are eligible. Stay vigilant and do not skip your booster dose at any cost.
• Wearing a double mask, layering the surgical one with N-95. This will further help to lower the risks of spread
• Practice social distancing and avoid going to crowded places. Do not step into market areas unnecessarily and plan your shopping trips wisely, making sure you do not have to go out frequently.
• Refrain from touching your face frequently
• Always carry sanitiser and avoid touching suspected surfaces.

As mentioned earlier, Omicron is preventable and this is possible only if are mentally strong. Stay positive and help to spread awareness. The fight against Omicron is a collective effort and together we can beat it.