Omicron: What We Know About The COVID Variant
The WHO announced that the new variant, B.1.1.529 or Omicron, which was first detected in South Africa has “high-risk” potential. This variant has also accrued a large number of mutations at this time as well; the current evidence associated with this variant also shows an increased risk of reinfection in comparison to other strains.
Some of the symptoms being presented to physicians who have encountered this variant are different from the symptoms we are used to seeing with typical Delta variant COVID cases. Symptoms have included fatigue, body aches and pains, headache, and slight sore throat; coughs and loss of taste or smell have not been reported.
Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair of South African Medical Association, who has been experiencing the brunt of many variance emergencies, including this one, is describing this outbreak as “mild” in comparison to the variants they have dealt with until now. The WHO, however, is still conducting research on the perceived severity of this variant, with the number of this variant’s current mutations being one of their main concerns. The current data suggests a more rapid spread which could trigger a new wave.
Countries have begun to ban travel from several South African countries where the variance is emerging, this decision has caused controversy from the South African health minister and many others who have deemed these actions as causing “unnecessary panic” as the variant has already been detected in 17 countries including the U.K., France, Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong. It has not yet been detected in the U.S.
Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, stated that he was “deeply concerned about the isolation of southern African countries” and was in favor of rigorous testing over enacting travel bans.
Doctors are stating that the usual precautions: getting vaccinated, hand-washing, wearing a mask, physical distancing and good ventilation will protect against this variant as experts continue to monitor the virus to determine if there should be a greater cause for concern.
References:
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/11/29/world/omicron-variant-covid
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/29/health/coronavirus-variants-what-we-know-november/index.html
About Us
Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.
Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: (718) 888–1808
Terms of Use and Disclaimer — The information contained in this document has been culled from online resources and government agencies and is for general informational purposes only. The information is provided in good faith to support the community and our friends impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Your use of this document and your reliance on the information contained herein is solely at your own risk. All liability with respect to any reader, user or browser’s reliance on this document and/or actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is hereby expressly disclaimed.
