Just a few days after scientists recognized it in South Africa, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has appeared in circumstances all over the world – together with 42 confirmed circumstances within the UK thus far.
South Africa has reported a sharp enhance in complete circumstances, 8,561 on 1st December, and Omicron has been detected in 20 nations. Whether or not the brand new variant is extra contagious or lethal is but to be confirmed.
Within the meantime, the World Well being Organisation (WHO) has labelled it a “variant of concern”, and nationwide governments have already begun implementing responses. As of the thirtieth November 2021, face masks are obligatory in retailers and on public transport in England. A brand new part of mandates relating to testing for worldwide travellers and self-isolation for many who encounter Omicron-confirmed circumstances have additionally come into impact.
Little is thought whether or not the signs of Omicron differ from different variants. In South Africa, the majority of these who’re contaminated are younger which might be as a result of they’ve obtained just one vaccine dose thus far. Constructive circumstances have reported gentle signs.
The BBC reviews that “there’s some suggestion” of various signs to the dominant Delta variant, together with physique pains and no lack of style and scent. Nonetheless, at this stage reviews are solely anecdotal and extra analysis should be achieved.
In line with the WHO, a cough, fever and lack of style and scent are nonetheless the tell-tale signs to observe for.
Furthermore, recommendation on holding your self and your loved ones protected stay the identical. Getting totally vaccinated reduces the danger of needing hospital therapy when you contract the virus, and booster jabs can supply most safety all through the winter months.
The immune system suffers in winter for a number of causes. Decreased Vitamin D ranges as a result of decreased solar publicity is believed to be one offender, and chilly temperatures might weaken the cells within the nasal cavity, answerable for virus safety. As well as, behavioural elements corresponding to spending extra time indoors near different individuals enhance the chance of transmission.
At present, booster jabs can be found for individuals over 40, care and frontline well being staff, and people over 16 with underlying well being points. These eligible can ebook the vaccination on-line.
The talk over whether or not to increase booster jabs to all adults comes as early research on waning vaccine effectiveness are being revealed. One examine suggests the antibodies produced in response to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the commonest for beneath 40s, lowered by as much as 57% after six months.
Because the festive interval approaches, well being authorities suggest holding a bodily distance of 1 metre (or extra) from others and staying away from crowded and poorly-ventilated areas. When you’re planning on having friends over all through Christmas, opening home windows may help enhance air flow, and common hand-washing may help restrict the transmission of the virus.
