HOW DANGEROUS IS OMICRON VARIANT

 

 World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new Omicron (or B.1.1.529) variant of the coronavirus, reported on November 24 in South Africa, to be “of concern,” stating that the likelihood of further global spread of this variant is “very high” due to its many mutations

WHO  said  OMICRON variant increased risk of reinfection and Cases of the new coronavirus are expected in vaccinated people, although in a small and predictable proportion.


What is the difference with the other variants? 

Its genetic profile. While the highly transmissible Delta variant has 9 mutations on the spike protein, which plays an essential role in infection, the Omicron variant has 32 mutations on this protein and about 50 in all.

It is therefore potentially more transmissible and more dangerous due to the new combination of mutations.

Will the tests and vaccines still be effective?

vaccination remains essential to reduce severe disease and death, including from the dominant Delta variant, and urges accelerated vaccination of high-priority groups.

PCR tests continue to detect infection, including by Omicron


DELTA   VS   OMICRON VARIANT

Delta was dominant but susceptible to vaccine. Omicron and Beta are more resistant some vaccines. Because beta variant can causes recurrent infections so vaccines are not as effective for recurrent infections.


Delta has 18 amino acid mutations in the 5 spike protein, and 8 residues in more than 60% of available sequence.
Omicron variant has 43 amino acid  mutations in the 5 spike protein , 34 residues in more than 60% of available sequence. Obviously Omicron is more transmissible. 

Does Omicron cause milder or more severe disease than previous variants?

Early reports linked Omicron with mild disease, raising hopes that the variant might be less severe than some of its predecessors, Omicron has lot of mutations than other variants. But severity of the variant still under investigation.




Thank you




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Image
 Eczema is a condition where in patches of skin become inflammed ,itchy ,cracked and rough .But sometimes can also cause blisters. SYMPTOMS The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary depending on the age of person who has it. Atopic Dermatitis is common in infants, with dry and scaly appearing on the skin. These patches are often intensely itchy  Continuous rubbing and scratching can lead to skin infection. In most cases, however, eczema is mild. The most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis include; 1. dry,scaly skin 2. skin flushing 3. itching 4. open crusted, or weeping sores       People with severe eczema will need more  intensive treatment to relieve their symptoms Most people with this condition develop it before the age of 5 years . However an estimated 60% of children will no longer show symptoms by adolescence . Symptoms in infants rashes on scalp and cheeks , rashes on cheeks, rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid, rashes that can cause itch...
Read more

YOUR EARS CAN INDICATE YOUR HEALTH; DON'T IGNORE THIS FACTORS

Image
Ear wax has a protective function and indicate the state of our health.  Ear wax is not a body waste , It's kind of body protection, it keeps the ear canal lubricated and prevents the ear from itching, prevents different pollutants from entering the inner ear and surprisingly it has anti bacterial properties. It is a hygienic procedure to clean our ears once every few weeks. However not all of us know that ear wax can also indicate the state of our health. EAR WAX OF GREY COLOR If you ear wax is gray without any other symptoms ,there is nothing to worry about it, It may look scary but it is probably just dust, This  color of ear wax is a regular thing for city dwellers because the air in cities rather polluted, If you see such a color ,your ear wax succeeds in protecting your inner ear from anything that isn't supposed to enter the ear canal. But if along with the wax of such a color you feel itchiness , have dry or crackling skin inside the ear canal ,there is threat of SEBOR...
Read more

5 SIGNS OF DEPRESSION THAT SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED

Image
  DEPRESSION IS A COMMON ILLNESS WORLDWIDE, WITH AN ESTIMATED 3.8% OF THE POPULATION AFFECTED, INCLUDING 5.0% AMONG ADULTS OLDER THAN 60 YEARS. APPROXIMATELY 280 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD HAVE DEPRESSION.  DEPRESSION IS A BRAIN ILLNESS THAT CAN BE FATAL. HERE ARE THE TOP HABITS SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION 1. WANTING TO BE ALONE IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION YOU PROBABLY DON'T LIKE TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE YOU PROBABLY WANT TO BE ALONE WITH YOUR THOUGHTS. IN MOST CASES WANT TO FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF WITHOUT ANYONE BOTHERING YOU. MANY PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION THEY WANT SPEND THEIR TIME ALONE, THEY MAY COMPLETELT GIVE UP COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS.THEY MAY ALSO ISOLATE THEMSELF AND MAY GIVE UP ON DAILY ROUTINE. SUCH AS,  MAY IGNORE CALLS STOP SHOWING UP TO WORK STOP GOUNG TO SCHOOL STOP PAYING BILLS SO LIST GOES ON MANY PEOPLE WHO SUFFERING  FROM DEPRESSION THEY WILL NOT SEEK HELP, BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED THEY  CAN DEAL WITH IT ON THEIR OWN. SO ...
Read more