It's been a while since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We've all been talking and hearing about it, and we're probably a little tired now. But, this virus is still with us. From time to time, we hear about new variants of this virus. Recently, the most widespread variant around the world is called Omicron. So, today we'll talk about this Omicron variant, its symptoms, and how we can protect ourselves.
What is this Omicron?
Simply put, Omicron is a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was first identified as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO) in November 2021. It quickly became the dominant variant worldwide.
Since then, several other sub-variants of Omicron have emerged. Examples include `(BA.2)`, `(BA.4)`, `(BA.5)`, and `(XBB.1.16)`. Research has found that some of these sub-variants spread faster than others.
The good news is that the Omicron variant and its sub-variants are relatively less severe than earlier variants like Delta. And the COVID-19 vaccine still offers a good chance of preventing hospitalization and death. The new (bivalent) booster vaccine currently being given targets both the original virus and the Omicron variant.
Who is most at risk from Omicron?
If you haven't been vaccinated against COVID-19, you are at increased risk of contracting any variant of COVID. Even if you have been vaccinated, you can still develop the disease (breakthrough infection), but if you do, the symptoms are often mild and the risk of hospitalization is much lower.
In addition, the risk of severe COVID-19 disease is higher if the following factors are present:
- Aging: The risk increases as the body's immunity decreases with age.
- Weakened immune system: The risk is higher if the immune system is weakened due to conditions such as cancer, HIV, or certain medications.
- Other diseases: People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart failure are at higher risk.
- Smoking: People who smoke or have smoked in the past are also at higher risk.
What are the symptoms of Omicron?
Early studies have shown that the symptoms of the Omicron variant are very similar to those of the common cold. Accordingly, the most commonly reported symptoms are listed in the table below.
| Common symptoms of the Omicron variant | |
|---|---|
| 🤧 Runny nose | 🤕 Headache |
| 😫 Extreme fatigue/fatigue | 🗣️ Sore throat |
| 😷 Cough | 🤧 Sneezing |
But remember this. The typical symptoms of COVID, such as cough, fever, and loss of smell or taste, are still important for any variant. So be aware of these symptoms as well.
How long can the disease be contagious?
The incubation period for the Omicron variant, the time it takes for the virus to enter the body and for symptoms to appear, is shorter than for other variants. It is about 3 days. If you have the disease, you can spread the virus to others from 1-2 days before symptoms start until 2-3 days after symptoms disappear . Sometimes you can spread the disease to others even if you have no symptoms.
Let's learn about Omicron sub-variants
The Omicron virus has also changed over time, creating several new sub-variants. Let's take a brief look at a few of them.
| Sub-genre | Important information |
|---|---|
| BA.2 ("Stealth" variant) | It was found to be as contagious as the original Omicron (BA.1) variant, but the severity of the disease was not reported to be greater. |
| BA.4 and BA.5 | The two strains had differences in the 'spike proteins' of the virus. This made them more likely to evade antibodies developed in the body through previous illness or vaccination and infect. The BA.5 strain spread more rapidly than BA.4. |
| XBB | This strain, which was created by combining two BA.2 variants, has a high ability to evade immunity. Therefore, even someone who had previously had Covid was at risk of being reinfected. |
| EG.5 ("Eris") | This variant, which is descended from XBB, also spread very quickly. But it has not been found to cause more severe disease than previous variants. |
Diagnosis and treatment
To find out if you have the COVID-19 virus, you need to take a COVID-19 test . You can do a Rapid Antigen Test at home, or you can visit a doctor and get a PCR test. To know for sure whether you have been infected with the Omicron variant, you need to do more complex tests, but these tests are not usually done for all patients.
When it comes to treatment, your doctor will determine the best treatment based on your risk factors. You may be given antiviral medicines or monoclonal antibodies. Corticosteroids and IL6 receptor blockers are still used successfully in people with severe disease.
The most important thing is to seek medical advice immediately if you have symptoms or think you are at risk. If severe symptoms (difficulty breathing, chest pain) develop, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
Does the Covid vaccine protect against Omicron?
Yes, absolutely! The current COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are crucial to protecting against the severe illness, hospitalizations, and death that can be caused by the Omicron variant.
The `(Bivalent)` booster vaccine is specifically designed to protect against the original COVID virus and the Omicron subtype. If you are eligible, it is very important to get a booster dose. Minor side effects from getting a booster vaccine (e.g., soreness at the injection site, body aches, mild fever) will go away within a few days. Don't worry about it.
How to protect yourself from Omicron?
There are a few simple things we can do to protect ourselves from Omicron or any other Covid variant:
- Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19. Get all the doses and boosters you need.
- Wear a mask: Wearing a good quality mask in crowded places and indoors will protect you and others.
- Maintain social distancing: Try to maintain a distance of at least one meter from others.
- Stay clean: Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Open windows and ventilate your home well.
- Get tested if you have symptoms: If you have symptoms, get tested, and if confirmed, stay away from others.
Take-Home Message
- Omicron is a rapidly spreading variant of COVID-19, but the disease is relatively less severe than previous variants.
- Symptoms can often be similar to a common cold, but watch out for symptoms like fever, cough, and loss of smell/taste.
- Vaccination, especially getting a booster dose, is the best way to protect against serious illness and death.
- Simple precautions like wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing are still very important.
- If you have symptoms or are in a risk group, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor and seek advice.
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