Tag Archives: Omicron variant

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Did you Know COVID-19 infections are increasing again in Europe?

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COVID-19 infections are increasing again in Europe after a decline over the Christmas holiday season, and scientists are warning that another wave might hit the US.

An annotated map showing subvariant distribution in the US as of March 15. CDC/Insider

COVID-19 outbreaks in Europe have historically preceded an increase in cases in the United States, and scientists have speculated that this may be the case here as well. The increase in instances, as seen below, is believed to be the consequence of a combination of the emergence of a more infectious subvariant of Omicron termed BA.2 and the recent easing of COVID-19 limitations in several European nations, according to Eric Topol, a cardiologist, and director of the Scripps Institute, in The Guardian. However, we must exercise caution since we are not yet out of the woods. This virus has not been eradicated, and we must be prepared to cope with it.

Reference

COVID-19 is surging again in Europe thanks to the BA.2 subvariant and will likely spread to the US soon. https://www.businessinsider.com/omicron-europe-surge-ba2-us-wave-likely-coming-2022-3?fbclid=IwAR2iaVekoequ6Rx6blwaEpJXcrExFUS3SKDSDqLpjA3KSwHnjnli4clxYko

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Fast-spreading Omicron variant

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A fast-spreading Omicron variant that causes milder illness compared with previous versions of the coronavirus has fueled the view that COVID-19 poses less of a risk than in the past. For those who do have symptoms, a higher proportion experience very mild illness, such as the sore throat or runny nose without the breathing difficulties typical of earlier infections.

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Omicron is the fifth highly significant variant of the original SARS-COV-2, and it remains to be seen if the ability of the virus to mutate further will slow down. In fully vaccinated and boosted individuals without underlying medical conditions, Omicron “will not do too much damage,” said David Ho, professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University.

Reference

Explainer: Why you should still try to avoid catching Omicron. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/why-you-should-still-try-avoid-catching-omicron-2022-01-12/?fbclid=IwAR3Wu9sI6Yum4sL57_fv9qsSfqqGk6meKH7GIdZ2fc_GofHdUpGV9jQ7peo

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Worldwide about a possibly more transmissible version of the coronavirus

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Concerns are growing worldwide about a possibly more transmissible version of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. As fresh instances are verified, scientists are scrambling to learn more. President Biden said that the mutation is “cause for concern, not a cause for panic” California verified the first case in the United States; omicron has been discovered in 16 states. In three days, the number of new coronavirus cases in South Africa has tripled.
The positive rate for Omicron increased from 1% in early November to 22.4 percent on December 2. The omicron version most likely acquired genetic material from a human virus that causes the common cold. A public health expert argues it is “premature to panic” over the mutation, which the World Health Organization has designated (WHO). Public health authorities in the United States are redoubling their efforts to distribute immunizations to everyone, including boosters for people who have previously been vaccinated. Within 100 days, Pfizer and BioNTech plan to have a “tailor-made vaccine” for the variation.
Each time the virus crosses between persons, it might undergo several genetic alterations. According to public health specialists, there is a strong likelihood that the new type has already spread to a number of nations beyond those where cases have been recorded. Public health professionals are advising the public not to make hasty judgments. Certain initiatives are already being scrapped in the aftermath of Omicron. Google said that it would delay its required in-office work beginning Jan. 10 for the length of the epidemic. Additionally, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor suspended the city’s New Year’s Eve event.

Reference

What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/11/26/faq-new-variant-omicron/

disease, Health, medications, Pharmaceuticals

Individuals tested positive for Covid-19

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According to Dutch authorities, 61 individuals who landed in Amsterdam on two planes from South Africa tested positive for Covid-19. Individuals being tested on different flights from South Africa.

The Dutch authorities are doing more testing to see if there are any instances of Omicron, which was declared a variety of concern by the WHO on Friday.

On 24 November, the variation was initially reported to the World Health Organization in South Africa.

By that time, the Dutch authorities had already imposed travel restrictions from the area due to the new variety and arranged for travellers to be tested and quarantined.

The Dutch health authorities said on Saturday that 61 passengers on the planes had tested positive.

The positive test findings will be analyzed immediately to ascertain if they pertain to the new concerning variety, which has been dubbed the Omicron variant, the company stated in a statement.

Anyone who tested positive would be required to stay at a hotel for seven days if they exhibited symptoms and five days if they did not, the statement continued.

According to reports, some passengers have not received formal confirmation of a negative test and hence are unable to board subsequent flights.

Reference

Covid: Dozens test positive on SA-Netherlands flights. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59442149