Omicron:
The Variant of Concern
9 December 2021
Dr. Nikhil Eric Saldanha
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Detected in a COVID test specimen collected on November 9 in South Africa
First Discovered
The variant is expected to have a high number of mutations, relative to other variants
Mutation
Sign and Symptoms
Fever or chills, Cough, Fatigue, Shortness of breath,Muscle Aches
Vaccine Efficacy against Omicron
Existing Covid-19 vaccine less likely to be effective against the strain
Natural Immunity
No evidence that supports relying on natural immunity from previous Covid-19 infection
Treatment
Antibody Drug Cocktail used for treating Alpha and Delta Variant, but losing effectiveness against Omicron
The Rise
WHO confirms 24 Countries that have found Omicron variant
Preventions & Precautions
Wearing well-fitting masks, hand sanitization and physical distancing
"Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death"- WHO
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