Omicron Variant Causes, Symptoms & Testing

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What You Need To Know About Variants

Mutations change the virus constantly, and sometimes these mutations lead to a new form of the virus. Some forms come out and disappear, while others survive. New forms will keep coming out. The CDC and other public health organizations monitor all types of viruses that cause in the United States and globally. The present time world is facing the problem of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 -Omicron.

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What Is Omicron

On 24 November 2021  a new strain of SARS- CoV-2, B.1.1.529 was reported to the world health organization( WHO). The new species was first found in specimens collected in Botswana on 11 November 2021 and in South Africa on 14 November 2021.

On November 26, 2021, the WHO named Omicron B.1.1.529 and classified it as a “Variant Of Concern  (VOC)”. On November 30, 2021, the United States stated Omicron as a form of concern and on December 1, 2021, Omicron’s first confirmed U.S case was identified.

CDC is collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we oversee its curriculum. The CDC is monitoring genomics throughout the epidemic to track the types of SARS-CoV-2, viruses that cause Covid -19 and report to public health practice. We do not yet know how easily it spreads, the severity of the disease or how well the available vaccines and drugs work against it.

Omicron Variant Symptoms

Preliminary data about the new Omicron Covid-19 types are coming out so that we can better understand the features and their consequences.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the Omicron type will spread further and pose a very high global threat. The health agency also called it “Variant of concern”.

Scientists and experts are closely monitoring the data in South Africa, where the first such report was made.

Symptoms are the new covid variant Omicron are given below:

1. Most Common Symptoms:

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness, loss of taste or smell.

2. Less Common Symptoms:

Less common symptoms are sore throat, headaches, aches, pains, diarrhoea, a rash of the skin, discolouration of fingers and toes, red or irritated eyes.

3. Serious Symptoms

Serious symptoms are the new covid variant “Omicron” is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, or confusion or chest pain.

What Tests Are Used To Detect Omicron

Swabs from polymerase chain reaction(PCR) tests are sent to a laboratory for analysis, which can show whether the type of infection looks like Omicron, Delta or something else.

One and a half of two laboratories in the UK- but not all have the technology needed to detect suspicious omicron cases. This means that in some parts of the country more Omicron cases can be detected more quickly.

A complete genetic analysis is required, which takes four to five days to confirm that Omicron is a suspected case.

PCR test means you can order for free from a government website if you have features or buy from a private company if you need them for travel purposes.

 Detection Of Omicron

Sampling

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RT PCR Test Detected

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See test for three genes associated with the part of the virus: Spike (S) Protein, Nucleocapsid or inner area (N2) and envelop or outer shell (E).

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If S gene detected- 1) Yes- Unlikely to be Omicron 2) No- Could be Omicron

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Full gene analysis used to confirm the test

References:

www.cdc.gov

www.demarharyana.org

www.bbc.com