6 Frequently asked questions about Omicron.

Q1. What is Omicron variant ? The Omicron variant, variant B.1.1.529, was first reported to WHO on 24 November 2021 and was classified as a variant of concern by WHO on 26 November 2021. The classification was made on the advice of the Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution, based primarily on information from South Africa that the variant has a large number of mutations and has caused a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology. Source:https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-variants-of-sars-cov-2 Last Updates on: 4 December 2021 Q2. What are the symptoms of Omicron?

It appears to be a mild illness that can resemble the common cold, which is another form of the coronavirus. These symptoms can include sore throat, headache, cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose.At present there is no information avaiable to suggest that Omicron causes different COVID-19 symptoms from other COVID-19 variants.

Source: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-patients-may-ask-about-covid-19-omicron-variant

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#symptoms

Last updated on: 29/December/2021 & 17/December/2021

Q3. How severe is Omicron when compared to other variants?

Early findings suggest that Omicron might be less severe than the Delta variant, but more data is needed and WHO warns that it should not be dismissed as “mild”. Studies are ongoing and this information will be updated as it becomes available.

It is important to remember that all variants of COVID-19 can cause severe disease or death, including the Delta variant that is still dominant worldwide, which is why preventing the spread of the virus and reducing your risk of exposure to the virus is so important.

SOURCE: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#severity

Last updated on: 17/December/2021

Q4. Whether the Omicron variant is more contagious than other variants?

Omicron is spreading more quickly than other variants. Based on the information available, WHO believes it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where there is COVID-19 transmission in the community.

SOURCE:https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#transmissibility

Last updated on: 17/December/2021

Q5. Which age group is more prone to omicron?

Research is ongoing into Omicron’s transmissibility. However, people who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19.

Source : https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant

Last updated on:17/December/2021

Q6. What precautionary measures should be taken to prevent Omicron?

The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before.The most important thing we can do to reduce risk of exposure to the virus are

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your hands are clean when you put on and remove your mask.
• Keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others.
• Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.
• Open windows to improve ventilation indoors.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated)WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

Source: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/what-we-know-about-omicron-variant#family

Last updated on: 17 December, 2021