As the world today slowly picks itself up after the Covid-19 pandemic, a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 has come into being. Numerous researchers are now functioning at breakneck accuracy to get familiar with its severity. Indeed, it has only been a week since the Omicron virus got numerous scientists alerted.
With the increasing number of cases, many countries are now panicking. Although the threat of this variant is not fully understood, many researchers are conducting studies to conclude. It may probably take even a year to understand the risks and the severity of this new variant. However, the cases of Omicron have now been confirmed in at least more than 20 countries.
Although the big picture isn’t out yet, it is essential to understand this variant’s potential to cause reinfections. Besides, a new study suggests that Omicron is heavily mutated in individuals. Thus, this could indicate that the new variant is at least five times more dangerous than the actual Coronavirus. Yet again, this has put numerous scientists on a nerve-wracking alert.
How Dangerous Is Omicron?
As of now, there is very little understanding of Omicron. Thus, this scenario creates many speculations and theories evading people’s minds out of fear. But there has been a rapid rise in the number of Omicron cases which worries many scientists and researchers. For example, on the 1st of December, Africa recorded nearly 9000 cases, with most cases arising from the Gauteng Province.
Today, many epidemiologists are measuring the overall growth of Omicron cases using R. According to NICD in Johannesburg, the value of R in the Gauteng province is above 2. This value was last observed during the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, these aspects suggest that Omicron can spread way faster as well as infect numerous people in one go. Thus, this statement is applicable when compared to Delta as well.
Based on the recent research conducted, Omicron has the potential to infect six times as many people as Delta in a given period of time. Thus, to keep a better record of the transmissibility and severity, researchers are now keeping a close eye on the spread of Omicron in other parts of Africa. If a similar pattern continues in other countries, then it is no question that Omicron has an added advantage of transmissibility.
The increased growth in cases, especially in most regions of South Africa, indicates that the virus can overcome immunity. Besides, vaccinated individuals can also be as vulnerable as non-vaccinated ones. At the moment, the heightened death rates have instilled a sense of fear in many people. Apart from that, the likelihood of reinfections has also been increasing at an unexpected rate.
What Are The Present Challenges That Most Scientists And Researchers Face?
Depending on the severity and transmissibility of the variant, many factors such as vaccination and infection rates could play a significant role. Initial reports on Omicron suggested that the virus could cause mild diseases.
Yet again, these initial reports are dependent on many anecdotes as well as scant left-overs of unclaimed data. Thus, these reports have a greater probability of misleading numerous individuals.
One of the significant challenges of assessing the severity of Omicron is controlling the other variables. A few of these variables may have to be submerged if one completely understands the severity of the new variant. In addition, these variables may include the factors that affect the entire course of a disease as well as the relatively young population.
Ultimately, many scientists are now conducting case-controlled research to learn more about the demographics and severity of infected people. These demographics are then compared to another group, thus allowing researchers and scientists to grasp better knowledge about the variant. In addition, factors such as age, status, and overall health conditions can influence the overall hospital capacity of the region.
Is The Economy Going To Be Deprived Again?
Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic did bring about the deprivation of the economy of developments. However, a country may have to be prepared to face these new variants and control economic deprivation.
Yet again, a new variant can emerge as well as infect numerous vulnerable groups. Besides, such groups can then experience way more severe diseases. Therefore, many nations are now taking further steps to decrease the severity of the situation.
There is no question that a country may face the challenge of extreme situations if the people are not willing to cooperate. Therefore, it thus becomes vital for many individuals to take the necessary steps to prevent significant infections.
For example, consider washing your hands and always carry a sanitizer. Apart from that, maintain social distancing as well. Coming in close contact with many individuals can increase the probability of infections.
Yet again, if the new variant has infected you, it is crucial for you to carry out the necessary steps required to prevent further spread. For example, you must consider wearing your face mask. Besides, it may also be necessary for individuals not to step outside their homes!
Conclusion
Although the Omicron virus is spreading at a vigorous rate, there is a small ray of hope that a solution will be out soon. The intense research and the efforts put in by numerous researchers and scientists are sure to bring a significant change in this world. However, for now, the new normal at present has changed. Therefore, people will need to be extra cautious of numerous extreme possibilities.
