Sars-cov2 Variants of concern (VOC) and Omicron variant symptoms and Vaccinated people in Ontario on January 10,2022, Kevin Guo Grade 10 Student in University of Toronto School, Sunlifegene Academic Program in Medical Sciecne, SLAP COVID 19 research program, Toronto, Ontario, Canada January 10, 2022
Summary of Omicron: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has a pangolineage of B.1.1.529, was identified as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021 by the WHO,It is identified by more than 50 number of mutation with upto 32 mutations on its spike protein, which makes it more transmissible and reduced the vaccine function as a result.
Ever since it was labelled as a variant of concern, Omicron has spread to 110 different countries around the world, in all 6 WHO regions. Knowledge and understanding of the variant becomes more sophisticated and niched as time passes and data surrounding the virus becomes more accessible.
The threat that the variant poses against human survival depends on 4 key concerns, or factors. They are: transmissibility, resistance to vaccines, its virulence, and the general population’s ability to follow and obey safety regulations.
What is Sars-cov2 Varians of concern (VOC) : WHO designed A variant of concern can best be described as a form of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has increased transmissibility, virulence, and its effects on the human immune system; but can also be associated with a form of the virus that decreases the use and practice of safety measures and vaccines. Currently, there are designated 5 variants of concern , the WHO lable are: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron.Pangolinege are B 1.1.7, B 1. 351, P.1, B. 1. 617. 2, for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron respectively
Currently, scientists have concluded that the Omicron variant spreads much faster than other variants (such as Delta). It’s rapid growth can be attributed to its rapid doubling time of 2-3 days, it’s increased transmissibility, and its ability to avoid detection from the immune system.
Current data suggests that Omicron isn’t as virulent as previous variants, as there is a reduced risk of hospitalization. As well, other factors, such as the use of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and deaths, can also be associated with the variant. Finally, it seems as if there is reduction in neutralizing titers against the variant in people who have been vaccinated, or previously affected by the virus. Also, the Omicron’s ability to evade immune detection runs the risk of people being reinfected, as data from England suggests.
The symptoms of omicron include: Cough, fatigue or tiredness, as well as congestion and a runny nose. It’s very similar to symptoms of the common cold. Also, loss of taste and smell doesn’t usually occur as a result of the new variantEvidence is pointing towards the direction that the effects of omicron can be mitigated with the help of a COVID booster shot. As well, if the variant infects unvaccinated individuals, there is a risk of death as a 50 year old has passed away in a report in Houston. The symptoms of the virus for people who haven’t gotten a booster shot (but have finished a primary sequence of vaccination) will most likely be the same as the typical symptoms, albeit with more coughing, fatigue, and fever.
The incubation period for the Omicron variant appears to be shorter compared to previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; research suggests that the time it takes for an infected person to develop symptoms after exposure may be from a week all the way down to a mere three days.
The shorter incubation period is in alignment with the virus’ primary goal, which is to infect as many people as quickly as possible, hence, it needs a fast incubation period to do so. The incubation period for the Omicron variant appears to be shorter compared to previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; research suggests that the time it takes for an infected person to develop symptoms after exposure may be from a week all the way down to a mere three days.
The shorter incubation period is in alignment with the virus’ primary goal, which is to infect as many people as quickly as possible, hence, it needs a fast incubation period to do so. Researchers and experts continue to ask citizens to get vaccinated, and to get a booster shot in order to lessen the risk of a severe infection.
Publichealthontario reported: An increase of 1,955,265 individuals vaccinated compared to two weeks ago. As of January 10,2022, more than 12,278,881 people from Ontario have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine. 77.3% (11,384,888individual people from Ontario are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, having received both required doses.26.4% (3,892,292 individuals) of the Ontario population have received three doses of a Health Canada authorized vaccine