Omicron — what we know
In today’s Pulse we will talk about the thing that grabbed most headlines after Vickat’s wedding — Omicron.
Omicron is the next mutation of the Corona Virus after Delta. It was declared as a variant of concern by WHO.
But are we in trouble?
There are no clear answers to this question, but we can look at the data available from various countries.
We searched the web for answers, and here is what we found.
First found in South Africa on 24th Nov, this variant has spread to over 70+ countries, the fastest to spread.
Countries like the UK and USA are seeing a massive wave. India is still in the initial phase reporting 320+ cases as of today.
To understand the severity of the virus, here we quote Dr. Anthony Fauchi — director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President of America- from an interview to NBC News.
He said —
“
- It has an extraordinary capability to spread, way more than Delta.
- Information from South Africa shows a lesser hospitalization-to-case ratio than Delta.
- Low durability of symptoms
- But the data is very small. Also, SA is a small country with a majority population having
previously infected; these findings do not give a complete picture.
- Information from the UK is giving mixed signs, as severe cases are being reported in the UK.
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Vaccines
Vaccine efficacy has reduced against Omicron, immune response due to some mRNA vaccines failing below required immunity levels. The CDC in the USA has directed a booster dose to boost the immune response.
“
That’s all from Dr. Fauchi
What about India?
India is seeing a rapid increase in Omicron cases. States like Maharashtra and Delhi are readying up for gatherings and even night curfews restrictions.
Booster Dose in India
India will start giving booster shots to health and frontline workers and those above 60 from January 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on 25th December . He also said vaccinations will begin for children between 15 and 18 years from January 3. The Prime Minister called them Precaution Doses instead of booster doses.
India has fully vaccinated 61% of its eligible population, 90% have received their first dose and making new milestones every day.
That’s it for today.
Get vaccinated if you haven’t already and take proper precautions.
I hope we see the covid thing ending soon.
Merry Christmas!
Until next time…
Have a healthy day!
Sources — givingcompass.org, NBC News, CNN
