-By Raj Agrawal
After two dangerous members, there is a new member added to the family of SARS COV. But, there is something different about this member. As we know, the second mutation (Delta) was very dangerous and caused massive loss of human lives, this new one is still a mystery but it can be as fatal as the Delta if we as a society do not take relevant measures to defend ourselves.
SARS COV
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a fatal respiratory illness that can deteriorate one’s health if not treated on time. This virus enters the host cell and infects it. Coronavirus belongs to the family of SARS . First identified in 2019, it was renamed COVID -19.
The main cause of the spreading of this infection is physical contact between people. This contact is not only limited to humans, but it can also spread by coming in contact with objects that someone with a positive case might have touched earlier.
Delta Variant
The Delta variant was very fatal and caused havoc during April 2021. This variant took many people in the lap of death and caused many people to shut down their businesses and suffered to manage two square meals in a day. Moreover, many companies fired their employees leading to a major fall in the GDP of the country.
Omicron
Source- American Chemical Society
This is the new variant of Covid-19 and was first identified on 24 November 2021 in South Africa. The World Health Organisation says that this variant can be as fatal as the Delta variant. WHO labels this as a variant of concern because the Omicron is still incalculable and after seeing its several mutations it can be very fatal for humans. The name Omicron comes from Greek and is the fifteenth letter in the Greek alphabet.
As of now, we can’t say that it is deadly or not because no deaths have been reported now. And if we will be taking all the precautions then there will be no deaths for sure.
Symptoms
No unusual symptoms of omicron have yet been associated with the variant as of now, and, as with other variants, some individuals are asymptomatic. We can say that the symptoms of the new variant omicron will be the same as the former variants.
Cases of omicron in India
(AS OF DECEMBER 7)
Delhi
On December 5, Delhi reported its first case of an Omicron man who arrived from Tanzania was found infected with Omicron admitted to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan hospital in the national capital.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra has reported a total of 10 cases of a new variant of coronavirus Omicron as of now.
Rajasthan
Jaipur reported ten new Covid-19 variant cases on December 7. All nine patients are asymptomatic.
Karnataka
The first two cases of the Omicron variant were reported in Karnataka.
Gujarat
A 73-year-old man has been found infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus in Jamnagar city. Days after he arrived from Zimbabwe. The 73-year-old man had arrived in Gujarat from Zimbabwe on November 29. He tested positive for coronavirus on December 3.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh has reported its 1st case of the omicron variant as a 20-year-old man who came from Italy tested positive.
Andhra Pradesh
A couple of days ago Andhra Pradesh Government reported its 1st case of an omicron variant.
Precautions to be taken
If you do not wish to meet with the new member of the family of SARS COV then you should be taking care of some major things.
These are;-
- Maintain a safe distance from others (at least 2 meters), even if they don’t appear to be sick or affected.
- Get yourself vaccinated with double dosages.
- Wear a mask in public, especially indoors or when the distance of 2 meters is not possible.
- Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window indoors.
- Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcoholic base sanitizer hand rub.
- Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Follow local guidance about vaccination.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your handkerchief or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
In the end, we can suggest that if you do not wish to meet the new member, you should be more cautious and get yourself vaccinated in order to be safe.
The threat is not only from the omicron virus but nowadays another matter of concern is Air Pollution. Click here to know more.
MUST-READ- https://skchildrenfoundation.org/air-pollution-a-serious-threat/
