As an impending third wave stares at us in the face here in India, concerns are being raised regarding the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the new variant, Omicron. One of the primary questions being asked is whether the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, Covishield, can put up a fight against the highly contagious variant. While there is a long way before conclusive evidence comes to light, some studies do provide some information and a possible answer to the ‘Covishield vs omicron’ debate.
Before we find out how effective a tool Covishield is, we should be abreast with what we already know about the new variant. Omicron‘s roots can be traced back to South Africa, where the first case was detected. Since then, it has traversed the world and spread like wildfire. This confirms one thing: the rate of spreading is very high this time.
The first case in India was found in December in Karnataka. The variant has started to engulf large parts of the subcontinent as well. While the severity of this variant is yet to be confirmed, there has been a lot of talk surrounding the role of vaccines in fighting this wave. Many opine that to battle omicron, Covishield might be the weapon we need.
In a study done at Oxford last month, it was revealed that those who had taken 3rd dose of Covishield had a higher antibody level. Previous studies had talked at length regarding the effectiveness of a two-dose vaccination against the Delta variant. Although done on a small sample of 41 people, the recent study shows that three doses do increase the chances of increased effectiveness of covishield against omicron.
More studies suggest that two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, coupled with a booster shot, offer 70-75% efficacy against the new variant. Hence, with time and more surveys, the question of ”is Covishield effective against omicron” will get its due answers.
As of 5th January 2022, 61.5 crore people in India have been fully vaccinated with two doses, which accounts for 44.5% of the total population. Children belonging to the 15-18 year age group have also started receiving the first dose of Covaxin. The aforementioned Oxford study may suggest that a booster shot is the way to go, but the fact remains that more than half of India’s population is yet to be fully vaccinated.
Keeping the sudden surge in cases in mind, the government has decided to begin giving boosters to health workers, frontline workers and those above 60 years of age with co-morbidities from January 10, 2022. This was a crucial and much-needed step. Possibly, all other age groups too will soon afterwards come under the ambit of the third dose. But more importantly, the country should want to make sure everyone receives their first two doses. So, if you are yet not fully vaccinated, book your slot right away.
Also Read: Is Covaxin Effective Against Omicron?
As you wait your chance in line for your booster in the form of covishield, omicron will continue to rage outside. Therefore everyone would be best advised to keep on adhering to the safety measures. These include:
You might come across news clippings and primetime shows with headlines asking ”does covishield work against omicron”. In reality, we all need to wait for some more time before we can say anything with certainty. But there is no doubt that the vaccine is in fact the first step towards curbing this pandemic. Stay cautious, stay safe and save lives.
Also Read: Precautions Against The Omicron Variant
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The COVID-19 vaccination drive has already begun in India and many people are still unaware of how the two vaccines – Covaxin and Covishield – are different from each other.
The third phase began on April 1, in which people over the age of 18 can take life-saving shots.
Currently, the government hasn’t allowed people to decide which vaccine they want to get, but the result of the first phase clearly suggests that both the vaccines being inoculated in India are safe and effective. As of now, 41.2 crore doses have been administered. 8.55 crore people of 6.3% of the total population are fully vaccinated.
Well, we have compiled all the information to give you a better understanding of the formulation and every other detail about covishield vs covaxin you are going to get to stay safe from the Coronavirus. Have a look:
Covaxin has been developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech International Ltd in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Covaxin is currently trying to procure WHO approval to ease international travel woes for people who have opted for this vaccine. All the relevant documents have urgently been submitted to the officials of WHO.
Because the Delta variant is proving to be more infectious than the other COVID variants, the makers of Covaxin have started a new study to determine the effectiveness of the third dose of Covaxin (the booster dose). The results are expected to be made public in November 2021.
Covishield has been developed by the Oxford-AstraZeneca and is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Doctors are mulling over the need for a booster dose for Covishield as well, considering the fact that the elderly and people with comorbidities may not be producing the desired immunity response to the Delta variant.
Covaxin is an inactivated viral vaccine. This vaccine is developed with Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived technology. They contain inactivated viruses, which can not infect a person but still can teach the immune system to prepare a defence mechanism against the active virus.
These conventional vaccines have been in use for decades now. There are vaccines for some other diseases as well which are made using the same technology. These diseases are –
If you are wondering Covishield is which type of vaccine, it has been prepared using the viral vector platform, a totally different technology.
A chimpanzee adenovirus – ChAdOx1 – has been modified to enable it to carry the COVID-19 spike protein into the cells of humans. Well, this cold virus is basically incapable of infecting the receiver but can very well teach the immune system to prepare a mechanism against such viruses.
The exact technology was used to prepare vaccines for viruses like Ebola.
There is no difference between the two vaccines in terms of dosage. Both of them are administered as 0.5ml in the upper arm region.
But, the dosing schedule for both vaccines however varies. The second dose of Covaxin is scheduled after 4-6 weeks after the first dose, while for Covishield vaccines it is 84 days or 12-16 weeks after the first dose.
Both Covishield and Covaxin can be stored at 2-8 ° Centigrade, which is a household refrigerator temperature. This makes both the vaccines most suited for Indian conditions as most of the vaccines here are kept at the same temperature range.
This also makes the transportation and storage of both vaccines easier.
Both vaccines have shown more than satisfactory results ever since the inoculation started in India.
The effectiveness of the Covishield vaccine is nearly 90% as per the global reports and the Covaxin vaccine’s is 81% according to interim 3rd phase trial results.
After getting vaccinated, you may experience pain at the site of injection. Some people may also experience side effects such as headaches, joint pain and may feel feverish. These side effects do not persist for long and generally go within a day or two.
Covaxin has currently been granted approval for emergency restricted use, while Covishield has been allowed for restricted use in emergency situations that can potentially prevent coronavirus infection in people aged 18 years and above.
The Covaxin vaccine has begun its clinical trial in children aged above 2 years of age.
However, the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) has not given a market use authorization clearance to any of the vaccines till now.
Both the vaccines are being inoculated free of cost at government health set-ups. However, the cost of vaccines at the private hospital varies. Thus, you should always contact the hospitals for the exact cost of the vaccine.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
Both Covaxin and Covishield are intramuscular vaccines.
Covishield and Covaxin have been approved for people aged 18 years and above.
At PharmEasy, we wanted to extend our support to the Government of India in its COVID vaccination drive. And thus, with our ‘Go Corona Go Initiative‘, we are offering a token of appreciation to every user who has got vaccinated. Basically, we’re on the lookout for SUPERHEROES who will help make India COVID-free. For every vaccine taken by a citizen, we would be giving a flat ₹150 PharmEasy cash in the wallet to the users that can be used on their next medicine order. Click here to get it now!
| Covishield | Covaxin |
| The interval between 1st and 2nd doses is 12-16 weeks. | The interval between the 2 doses is 4-6 weeks. |
| Efficacy after the second dose can vary from 70-90%. | This vaccine can be 78-95% effective after the second dose. |
| People above 18 years of age can opt for this vaccine. | This vaccine can be injected into people above 18 years of age. |
The newest vaccine to arrive in India
In June, Drug Controller General of India gave Cipla the permission to procure the Moderna vaccine from the US. It is the first US vaccine to arrive in India. 7.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been offered to India.
This vaccine uses the mRNA technology and tests have found it to be 94.1% effective.
Also Read: Is Covaxin Effective Against Omicron?
Difference between Sputnik V and the other two vaccines
| Sputnik | Covishield and Covaxin |
| Developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology in association with Dr Reddy’s. | Covishield is developed by the SII, Oxford University and AstraZeneca whereas Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech and ICMR. |
| It is 91.6 per cent effective. | Covishield can be up to 90% effective and Covaxin has been found to be 78-81% effective. |
| The interval between the 2 doses is likely to be 21 days. | The gap between the doses of Covishiled and Covaxin are respectively 12-16 weeks and 4-6 weeks |
The newest vaccine to arrive in India
In June, Drug Controller General of India gave Cipla the permission to procure the Moderna vaccine from the US. It is the first US vaccine to arrive in India. 7.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been offered to India.
This vaccine uses the mRNA technology and tests have found it to be 94.1% effective.
Are you keeping a tab on your health? Let’s find out.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
2022 comes with the hope of a better and healthier future for us all. India is on its way towards complete vaccination. Under-18 vaccination too has started. This means we are one step closer to defeating COVID-19. But that does not mean we should drop all precautions. New variants and even hybrid infections are on the rise. You need not worry as long as you are cautious. In this context, it is essential that we all learn a little more about Flurona, which has been making headlines all over the world. The start of 2022 has been marked with fresh news about the emergence of two new threats. We already know that a new wave brought on by the Omicron virus (first detected in South Africa) is right around the corner unless we are all very cautious. But it has emerged that there could be another threat looming in the distance. The new danger that has got scientists anxious is flurona. What is flurona and what is it capable of doing? Read on to find out.
Flurona was found in the body of a pregnant woman in Israel when she was hospitalized to give birth.
Flurona is not a strain of COVID-19. It is actually a term used for the illness caused by 2 infections at the same time in the same person- one being the seasonal Flu and the other being COVID-19. That means, her body was harbouring both the seasonal flu virus and the coronavirus at the same time. It is a case of double infection.
She tested positive for both the Flu and COVID and the diagnostic tests were carried out more than once for confirmation. Her symptoms were mild. The woman had not been vaccinated for COVID-19. Because her symptoms are mild, she will be discharged soon as per news reports.
The infection thus caused is also a viral infection and contagious. Scientists believe this happened because this is the Flu season and the human body is capable of sustaining both kinds of viruses at the same time.
The symptoms of flurona are the same as the Flu or COVID-19 because it is also an upper respiratory tract infection. It triggers fever, sore throat, body ache, fatigue and breathing difficulty.
Will flurona be more dangerous than the strains of COVID-19?
This is too early to state anything about the severity of this dual infection. With more information and studies, we are likely to receive a clearer picture of the spread and threats associated with flurona.
COVID appropriate behaviour can save us from exposure to both infections. Do not forget these points-
In the upcoming days, we cannot let caution and care slide. Omicron is already here and delta has not gone yet. Life must indeed go on, but we must adopt every precaution possible. Masks, sanitisers, social distancing and following government circulars on safety should once again be part of our lives. A lit bit of caution never hurts anyone. It can in fact save lives. The safety of each and everyone is our collective responsibility at this time. Let’s do our bit to reduce the transmission of Covid infection.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Amidst alarming news of COVID-19 cases increasing in India due to the Omicron variant, there is a ray of hope in the New Year with the government rollout of vaccines for children, frontline workers and senior citizens. The new vaccination drive which is to begin from 3rd January 2022 for teens aged 15-18 years signifies that every cloud has a silver lining.
To know more about the current scenario, what the government is planning and what you should do to stay safe read the article below.
Addressing the country on 25th December 2021, the honourable PM announced that The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the emergency use of the indigenously developed Covaxin for immunising young adults. Aside from Covaxin, ZyCoV-D developed by Zydus Cadila has also been authorised for emergency usage. However, the vaccination drive as of now will only cover children in the 15-18 years age bracket and Covaxin will be administered to them. Designed as a precautionary measure to protect the future of the Nation from the impending harm of the new variant, guardians as well responsible youths are urged to get their children and themselves registered respectively on the Co-WIN Portal.
As of now, the authorised COVID-19 vaccine for under 18 in India is slated to be only for Covaxin.
Frontline workers i.e., employees who have to be physically present at their jobs such as doctors, fire-fighters, policemen and other kinds of industry professionals were the first to get their jab last year when the vaccination drive started followed by senior citizens (with co-morbidities). To make sure that everyone is safe in the face of the omicron virus surge, the Government has announced and emphasised that these two groups will be once eligible for a booster vaccine dose called a precaution dose from January 10th 2022. To get the jab, registrations are required to be made on the portal once again. For safety concerns, senior citizens are advised to go ahead with the booster dose upon confirmation from their respective healthcare providers.
As of reports released on 3rd January 2022, the Union Health Ministry announced that the Omicron variant cases were 1,700 in the country with an infection radius of 23 states and union territories. Delhi itself recorded 84% of new infections in the last few days. Currently, Delhi is functioning with a ‘yellow alert’ category of restriction under which educational institutions, gyms, theatres and shops involved in the trade of non-essential items are meant to stay shut until further notice.
However, as per studies conducted by doctors, the Omicron variant is said to only bring about mild infections with little requirement for oxygen concentrators and hospitalization, unlike the Delta variant.
The trend shows that those without vaccination are likely to suffer a more painful infection as opposed to those being doubled vaccinated.
Another trend being noticed is that in most cases of the infection, the individual is asymptomatic, meaning that he/she wouldn’t know that they are infected and will unknowingly spread the viral infection when in close contact with others. Keeping this fact in mind, civilians are being asked to be cautious and follow all COVID-19 appropriate behaviour. This includes limiting going out in public spaces and spending the rest of the winter season in a low key manner. As per news reports, the festive season during December was one of the main drivers behind the surge in Europe and also why COVID-19 cases are increasing in India and so now there is a necessity to salvage the situation before it goes totally out of hand.
Although the Omicron variant is spreading quite fast, the good news is that India will see a surge by the end of January which means that the lifespan of this infection is going to be short-lived. In the meanwhile, it is advised that you get your children and elderly family members vaccinated and follow COVID-19 mandates at all times. Follow all safety precautions in order to save yourselves and others from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Omicron has already started creating chaos, and now people are wondering if they are going to experience the same mayhem the Delta variant of COVID-19 had caused earlier in 2021. Well, if you are also terrified of going through the same agony again, here is good news for you!
As per the initial research and studies, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 poses 50 to 70 per cent fewer chances of hospitalisation as compared to the previous strains. They, however, have cautioned to be careful as it still has the potential to lead many people to the hospitals. Following safety protocols sincerely can help us in minimising the spread of this wave.
The UK Health Security Agency has claimed that the initial results of the research suggest that most of the infected people would recover without any hospital care but still, the variant can cause a lot of damage.
Defining the reason behind the potential threat, the experts explained that the Omicron variant spreads way faster than the Delta variant and also has the capability to dodge the vaccine, which the earlier strains were unable to do. Hence, it may infect a larger number of people and hence, can cause too many hospitalisations.
Studies conducted across all the countries including England, South Africa, Scotland and Denmark have shown similar results. All of them have accepted the new strain to be far more contagious but milder in terms of symptoms. It is important to know that it can also cause moderate to severe illness as well as death.
The United Kingdom has been one of the worst affected countries in terms of Omicron spread as of now. Since November this year, a total of 132 people have been admitted to the hospital after contracting the Omicron variant. Out of these, 14 people have died within 28 days of being infected.
The study has highlighted some interesting insights. Have a look:
The concerning thing is that the virus may be causing milder symptoms but this advantage may go down the drain because of its higher contagiousness.
Moreover, the experts are still not sure what this strain is going to do with the older people, people with comorbid conditions, unvaccinated population. Due to the high rate of transmission, it can burden the healthcare system and cause a lot of problems if taken lightly. The threat of delta is not over yet, as it is still the dominant variant.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron?
Omicron has been presenting itself with milder symptoms because of the combination of people’s immunity and certain changes to the virus itself.
The initial studies have found out that most of the people who have contracted the new variant have been infected before with the previous variants or have already taken the vaccination. Both of these qualities provide a robust defence mechanism against the virus.
The lab studies have also shown that the way the Omicron variant infects our body is also different from the Delta variant. Unlike its predecessor, Omicron infects the airways of the person instead of messing up the deep tissues of the lungs, which makes it easier for it to spread, but milder as it stays away from the delicate parts of the lungs.
The precautions and steps to be taken remain the same as before. It is essential to mask yourself properly, take both doses of vaccines (if not yet vaccinated), maintain physical distancing, follow hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes and maintain good ventilation to the maximum possible.
The Omicron variant may be able to cause breakthrough infection but vaccinations do prevent the chances of severe infection. Hence, vaccination is still our best shield against this or any upcoming variant of COVID-19.
Read More: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Omicron for sure is here to modify our New Year plans, but with a little caution and determination, we surely can protect ourselves and our loved ones from this virus and finally push COVID-19 to the endemic stage, where it was supposed to be by the start of the year 2022. So, please keep wearing masks and avoid large gatherings till instructed otherwise. Stay safe and happy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
As people around the world were breathing a sigh of relief due to the decreasing number of COVID infection cases, Omicron stepped in and reminded us that it is not over yet. The emergence of Omicron happened late in November. It has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) that it is a new variant of SARS CoV-2. The B.1.1.529 Omicron has been classified as a Variant of Concern (VOC).
Omicron cases were first detected in Botswana and South Africa. There are confirmed cases in more than 77 countries now. Omicron cases detected in India are largely from Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc. This has led to panic among people, there are several international flight bans due to Omicron. People are also afraid there might be another lockdown in India as the threat rises. The UK has already seen a massive rise in cases and may be forced into lockdown. We don’t know for sure the severity of illness it causes, or how effective vaccines are against it, but research is on.
There is a lot of research ongoing regarding the Omicron variant and its transmissibility. Children seem to have a stronger immune response to the coronavirus infection but may be at a greater risk of contracting the Omicron virus. This is why the focus is now on vaccinating children.
The quick rise of the variant shows that it has some capacity to evade immunity. A lot of people including South Africans are fully vaccinated, despite which a large number of people were infected.
Studies suggest that breakthrough infections in South Africa took place even though the vaccines administered were Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Some countries have focused on giving booster doses. It is believed that a third dose may decrease Omicron’s ability to evade the antibodies.
Even if the effectiveness of vaccines against Omicron comes out to be slightly low, it remains the best way to protect people from COVID-19. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, but the tools we already have for protection are masks, sanitisers, vaccines, availability of tests, awareness of safety measures that can be of great help irrespective of the type of variant.
The spread of the Omicron variant may make you question the effectiveness of the vaccines, but you must remember that Delta is still the dominant variant and the safety measures and vaccines will help you reduce the threat of severe COVID infection from all variants. No studies so far, have proven the ineffectiveness of vaccines in Omicron. While researches are being carried on, you must continue to follow COVID guidelines to stay safe and get vaccinated.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
With 2021 coming to an end, a new COVID-19 variant has posed a threat to the resumption of normalcy. This variant, the B.1.1.529, popularly known as the Omicron variant, is now being studied closely by scientists, medical practitioners, and medical officials. Although the number of cases of Omicron detected in India are just above 100 now, there may be a good chance of it increasing exponentially in the next couple of months.
While the Omicron variant has already made its entry into India, it is supposed to have originated from South Africa, and officially been identified in Botswana.
Soon after the identification of this new variant of COVID-19 by a team in Botswana headed by Dr Sikhulile Moyo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) did not hesitate to classify it as a Variant Of Concern (VOC). The reason that the WHO has classified this variant of COVID-19 as a VOC is because of the high number of mutations and its rate of transmission. Soon after, many other countries also identified this new variant affecting their population.
Do not hesitate to get an RT-PCR for diagnosis of Covid even if you experience mild symptoms and no fever. Early identification, self-isolation and treatment can play a significant role at this time.
Although the most recent data suggests that the Omicron variant has much higher transmissibility than even the previously deadly Delta variant, it does not seem to be overloading hospitals yet. The latest data points out that even though more than 50,000 cases have been reported in the last couple of weeks in the origin country of this variant, the number of deaths reported due to Omicron is significantly low.
This naturally poses questions about the transmissibility and the severity of this mutation of the Coronavirus.
Based on statistical data from South Africa, the epicentre of this new mutation, it has been assumed that the Omicron variant is 3 times more capable of infecting other people as compared to the delta variant. Moreover, the rate of increasing cases has surpassed that of the previous 3 waves of COVID-19 as well.
At the other end of the globe, Japanese researchers have been able to confirm that the Omicron variant is 4.2 times more transmissible than previously reported variants. Apart from the countries in the African continent, this new mutation has penetrated the populations of the UK and other European countries as well. More than 77 countries have reported Omicron cases so far. There can also be a case that some countries may have undetected cases of Omicron spreading. What is more alarming is the fact that the number of cases has been seen to be doubling every 1.5 to 3 days.
Also read: Chamoy Benefits: A Research-Backed Health And Flavour Guide
Most patients in the affected regions of Africa have reported mild to severe headaches, scratchy throat, body aches and a constant sense of fatigue. This is a stark contrast to the symptoms reported by patients during the Delta wave (which included fluctuating pulse rates and respiratory trouble). However, it is important to note that it is too early to comment anything on the presentation and severity of this variant. There are reports on cases with severe symptoms and fatal consequences as well.
World Health Organisation says not to take this variant lightly because-
A high number of mutations in the spike protein of Omicron has raised a question on the efficacy of existing Covid vaccines. There are no studies so far to show the inefficiency of vaccines so far. There can be some variation in the efficacy but vaccines are definitely going to help. Also, delta is still the dominant variant so irrespective of the variant type we need to get ourselves vaccinated and follow steps to reduce our risk of exposure.
Also Read: Is Covishield Effective Against Omicron Variant?
While the transmissibility of this new variant currently seems much higher than any previous variants of the Coronavirus, it is important to remember that timely medical intervention is the key. And more important is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and following all the safety measures sincerely. On a positive note, we are all well versed with Covid-appropriate behaviour by now and can play a heroic role in reducing the spread of Covid infections in our region.
Whatever it may be, it is always important to eat a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants and exercise regularly, to help boost your body’s natural immunity. This can, to a great extent, help your body fight off the infection and suppress any life-threatening symptoms.
Read More: Precautions to Take Against The Omicron Variant
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
When the world had started believing that COVID-19 is about to enter the endemic stage, the virus has struck back with a brand new variant named Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529. The new variant has reignited the speculations over the emergence of a third COVID-19 wave in India, which can completely disrupt our life. As per the initial research, the new variant has a high amount of spike mutations that were never recorded before.
Omicron seems to be very rampant in terms of spreading as its cases did not take many days to pop up in many other countries after first being reported in South Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Omicron as a “variant of concern”.
The newest variant of SARS-CoV-2 was first reported to the WHO on November 24, 2021. The variant was detected in the specimen collected on November 11 in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa.
Soon after receiving the report, WHO classified Omicron as a variant of concern on November 26, followed by the United States on November 30 before the country recorded its first case on December 1. The next day, India recorded its first two cases of the Omicron variant.
With the limited number of cases recorded so far, there is only a little information available about the symptoms. It has been said that the Omicron variant can present itself with extreme tiredness, body aches, throat discomfort (scratching or soreness), fever and some headache.
As the number of cases has been very low so far, there can be a possibility of this strain presenting severe symptoms in some people. Hence, experts are suggesting not to take this variant lightly.
The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than some of the previous variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. More data are needed to know if Omicron infections and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants. Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with COVID-19 and also the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
Scientists are working to learn more about the Omicron variant to better understand how easy it might be transmitted and the effectiveness of currently authorized or approved medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tests, against this variant. New information about the virologic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant is rapidly emerging. Scientific bodies recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
This article has been medically reviewed and fact-checked by Dr Nikita Toshi.
The SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill when it first spread across the globe at the beginning of 2020. Amidst lockdowns and strict travel restrictions, the virus mutated as it spread among more people. When finally it seemed like the worst was behind us (thanks to an extensive vaccination scheme), we got the news that there’s a new strain doing the rounds! Omicron strain is the latest mutation identified by scientists in South Africa.
Read to know more about the new strain of COVID-19 and how you can protect yourself from it.
Scientists in South Africa reported the development of a new strain of the COVID-19 virus, called B.1.1.529, on November 24th, 2021. The World Health Organisation (WHO) named it Omicron, following the tradition of using Greek nomenclature to denote the strains of the virus. The strains before the Omicron were named alpha, beta, gamma, Delta variant, etc. The new variant (Omicron) has been named while skipping the two letters in the Greek alphabet ‘Nu’ and ‘Xi’. [1]
When we talk about the origin story of the variant, experts from South Africa notified on 2nd December 2021 that the origin of Omicron was unknown. On the other hand, as per theories released by Livescience, the Omicron variant was believed to have possibly evolved in rodents. Whichever statement might be true, it can be said that not much is known about the Omicron variant and further studies are underway. But with the spread of the Omicron variant, researchers also shared thoughts of the COVID-19 virus becoming endemic.
The health implications of the Omicron strain are still being tested by scientists around the world, however, the number of positive COVID-19 tests in South Africa indicate that this new strain is potentially fast-spreading because the Omicron strain has a high number of mutations in the ‘spike protein’ associated with COVID-19. [2]
It is essential to maintain safety protocols as the virus is already spreading in India and other nations like Israel, the United Kingdom, the US, Belgium, Botswana, Canada and Hong Kong. The WHO considers this as a Variant of Concern (VOC) for now and many countries gearing up to issue travel bans as a response to stop its spread.
You should feel better within a couple of weeks after getting infected with covid and getting appropriate treatment, if your symptoms persist beyond 4-8 weeks, you should follow up with your doctor to rule out long covid.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
By now, you might be feeling quite gloomy after knowing that several subvariants and sublineages of Omicron have been confirmed in India. You might also wonder how these new variations affect you and their health implications. There are a lot of assumptions like getting affected by the Omicron strain is more likely for people who have already been affected by COVID-19 before. Only mild infections have been noticed among individuals affected by this strain.
There are concerns about sublineages of the Omicron strain having the ability to evade the immune system and cause breakthrough vaccine (infection after getting vaccinated). Whether the Omicron strain can trigger severe symptoms and effects will be confirmed only after further testing. For now, reinfection of individuals remains the most considerable risk.
It’s too early to state anything specific about the characteristics or severity of the new subvariants. It is important to stay calm, not panic and follow all safety measures sincerely.
Several subvariants of Omicron – BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.75 and many more have been identified in different countries across the globe. It is important to understand that all of these subvariants or sublineages are of Omicron variant of Covid-19 which is classified as a Variant Of Concern (VoC) therefore all these subvariants are also categorised as VoC. With the ongoing studies, more information on the rate of transmission and severity of these subvariants can be gained.
Omicron is a variant of COVID virus due to mutation. Omicron shows a 13-fold increase in viral infectivity and is 2.8 times more infectious than the Delta variant. That’s why it’s a variant of concern.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The delta variant of COVID-19 was discovered first in India and was responsible for the 2nd wave of the pandemic in the country. According to current studies, the Omicron variant has many more mutations in its spike protein than the delta variant. It is assumed that this variant is more transmissible than the delta variant, which can cause concern.
The delta variant of the virus is responsible for heavy infections and mortality. The delta variant of the virus is a lethal variant and current reports are yet to confirm the severity of illness caused by the Omicron variant. The reinfection and transmissibility rates are predicted to be much higher in the Omicron variant. But, more studies and data are needed to understand this variant better.
Also Read: Omicron vs Other Variants
There have been no reports of any unusual symptoms noticed in people affected by the omicron subvariants so far. Thus, the current scenario suggests that symptoms of the Omicron sub-variant can be the same as what was being noticed in the earlier strains of the virus. Some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 include – fever, weakness, loss of smell, shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of taste, sore throat, cough, stomach ache and diarrhoea. A person may present with a few or more of the symptoms mentioned. We are yet to receive confirmatory data on the severity and symptoms of the new subvariants of Omicron. [4]
The SARS-CoV-2 RT- PCR and Rapid antigen test (RAT) for Covid-19 can detect COVID-19 infection even with the new virus strains reported at present. This will not confirm the type of variant or sub-variant samples of suspected people reported positive by RT-PCR test are sent for genome sequencing for confirmation of the Variant type.
The best way to stay safe currently is by following all WHO and Government-mandated safety measures for Omicron –
BA.2.75 is said to have a higher transmission rate than other Omicron sub-lineages. Surveillance for the new sub-variants has been increased in all countries, including India, to monitor the spread. Symptoms are more or less similar for different sub-variants. We must be aware and safe by following Covid’s appropriate behaviour to the best possible.
The Omicron sub-variants are spreading rapidly but on a positive note, we have a strong vaccination drive in place. People who have been affected by severe COVID-19 previously or those with other comorbidities need to stay extra cautious as the rate of reinfection is thought to be high in some of the new subvariants. If you follow all safety protocols and maintain good hygiene, you can lower the risk of infection from the new variant. Be responsible for limiting the spread of the virus and encourage the maintenance of safety protocols among your peers.
Also Read: Do Existing Vaccines Work Against Omicron?
Q1. Can Omicron kill you?
Ans: Scientists are yet to confirm how deadly the Omicron variant might turn out to be. One must follow all safety measures to minimise the risk of infection.
Q2. Can the Omicron virus evade vaccines?
Ans: As per reports, it is too early to establish a statement on the efficacy of vaccines against the new Omicron virus. At the same time, there is no evidence to suggest the ineffectiveness of vaccines against the new COVID variant. Vaccines are always going to help humans in this battle against the virus.
Q3. How was the Omicron virus formed?
Ans: It is the prime nature of a virus to evolve as it spreads and replicates from host to host. Mutations can bring about changes like the virus- making it weak at times and strong as well. With regards to the formation of this virus, there are three assumptions; one, the virus first infected an animal and then spread amongst humans. Two, around mid-2020, the strain had already started doing the rounds and by the end of 2021, it had undergone a significant degree of mutations and was in a very transmissible stage. Three, another assumption is that the virus probably evolved in an immunocompromised person and then started spreading to others. Needless to say, none of these claims is backed by solid proof and remain debatable.
Q4. Where was the Omicron variant discovered?
Ans: As per news reports, the origin country of the Omicron virus is South Africa.
Q5. When was the Omicron virus first detected?
Ans: The Omicron virus was first detected in South Africa in November 2021.
Q6. Has the Omicron virus arrived in India?
Ans: Yes, Omicron and its several subvariants have been reported in India.
Q7. Will schools be shut down due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: It is being estimated that physical attendance in schools might see a drop owing to the circulation of news about the increase in cases due to subvariants of the Omicron virus.
Q8. Will there be another lockdown due to the Omicron virus?
Ans: Following the Omicron Virus positive test results in India, the Health Ministry has officially announced that there will not be any need for a lockdown immediately. However, the public is strongly advised to follow all appropriate Covid guidelines and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Q9. Will the Omicron virus end the Pandemic?
Ans: There is no evidence to confirm that the Omicron virus will end the pandemic.
Q10. Will the Omicron virus affect travel?
Ans: Following reports of the Omicron virus, the Union Health Ministry has laid specific travel guidelines for international passengers. Even if you are planning domestic travel, check the travel guidelines of that particular area and follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Q11. Is the Omicron Virus fast-spreading?
Ans: Based on the mutations present in the new COVID variant, there are predictions that the Omicron virus may spread faster than the previous variants. But we need to wait for some more time to understand the exact nature of this virus.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest Updates and News
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
India is seeing a sharp rise in the number of people being diagnosed with heart-related conditions and once again, the reason somewhere seems to be COVID-19. Yes, doctors in many cities across the country have noticed that the people who recovered from severe COVID-19 have been encountering heart issues like heart attacks, chest pains, heart failure, low pump capacity, arrhythmia, blood clotting, heart-swelling, etc.
These issues have majorly occurred within three months of their recovery from COVID-19.
As we all know, COVID-19 is a disease that infects the lungs but what many people did not know is that it also impacts the other body parts, including but not limited to the cardiac system.
While you undergo treatment for COVID-19, your immune system also tries to fight the virus and both these things lead to a high level of inflammation inside the body. This eventually leads to complications outside the lungs too.
This is the reason why people who never had any cardiac issues before contracting COVID-19 have reported cardiac issues after recovering from the infection.
There are plenty of complications a COVID-19 patient may experience after recovering successfully from the disease. Generally, these complications arise within three months of the recovery.
As per the experts, this problem has been mainly found among young and middle-aged adults and elderly patients. They experienced shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Explaining the same, the experts claimed that these complications could be the result of heart-related problems but they can also be the result of other factors, like the result of being extremely ill for a long time, staying inactive for a long period of time, spending weeks in bed to recover from a disease, etc.
The experts have also suggested that people who already had heart-related problems before being diagnosed with COVID-19 must take good care of themselves and take all the precautions, medications and follow-ups with the doctor. This may help them in preventing any major complications.
Furthermore, the experts have figured out that people with diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease are more prone to suffering from cardiac problems after recovering from COVID-19.
The doctors also claimed that such cases have become more prevalent ever since the second wave of COVID-19, as there were not many cases noticed during the first wave. Moreover, the doctors have noticed extended use of steroids during the second wave which could be a reason behind these problems.
Experts suggest that people who have recovered from COVID-19 must ensure that they go for regular cardiac screening, and the frequency should be at least once every six months. They should also stick to a healthy diet and follow a regime of physical activities.
Moreover, they also should keep taking the medications suggested by their doctor.
Mentioned below are the precautions a cardiac patient should take post-COVID-recovery under the supervision of a qualified registered physician or cardiologist:
The cases of heart-related complications after COVID-recovery have gone significantly up during the past few months. It is really important for everyone to take good care of themselves even after recovering from the disease. Regular checkups and other precautions may help you keep yourself safe. With the third wave spreading its wings across the country, we should be even more cautious to reduce the effects of the deadly disease to the minimum levels.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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