Check out the Facts of Omicron COVID-19 Variants to Watch Out for
What is the Omicron COVID-19 variant?
On November 26,
2021, they announced a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2
virus called Omicron. The
variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on November 24, 2021.
Not long after,
WHO immediately stated that variants with the B.1.1.529 strain as a variant
category need to be watched out for (variants of concern). This variant
has characters to watch out for, such as Delta, Gamma, Beta, and Alpha.
The Omicron
variant has about 30 mutation combinations from several previous COVID-19 variants such as C.12, Beta, and Delta. Mutations
in Omicron's protein spikes are feared to make the virus more contagious faster
than the Delta variant and allow reinfection or recurrent infections. However,
the infectious speed of this variant is still being investigated further.
According to the Coordination
Meeting of the Ministry of Health records on November 29, 2021, there is no
difference in symptoms caused by this variant compared to other variants. But
mutations in viral protein spikes can significantly affect the
decreased ability of antibodies to neutralize the virus.
So far, it is not
known whether this variant has resistance to the vaccine or not. However, we
still need to be careful, mainly because of a decrease in antibody ability after 6-12 months after vaccination.
In the next few
weeks, WHO and several researchers are still trying to ascertain the transmission
speed of Omicron variants, and the severity of symptoms caused. But WHO insists
that vaccines, treatments, and
preventions carried out so far are still influential in fighting various
variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Distribution of Omicron COVID-19 variant
This variant was
first reported by South Africa to who on November 24, 2021. South Africa has
experienced three waves of COVID-19 outbreaks, the last wave dominated by delta
variants.
However, the last
few weeks of COVID-19 infection again increased sharply along with the
discovery of the B.1.1.529 strain.
In addition to
South Africa, some countries that confirmed the B.1.1.529 variant cases
were the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Botswana, Australia, Italy,
Belgium, and Rep. Czech. In addition, this variant is also likely to have
entered Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Austria.
The emergence of
this new variant raises concerns, including for the government and the people
of Indonesia. However, Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed
in a press conference on the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment's
Youtube channel on Sunday (11/28/2021) that this variant has not been detected
in Indonesia.
Researchers are
still making further observations to find out the cause of the surge in
Covid-19 cases in Africa related to the spread of new variants or the presence
of other factors.
What is Omicron's difference from other COVID-19 variants?
Variant B.1.1.529
has some common mutations with mutations C.1.2, Beta, Delta, and several
additional modifications. Compared to delta variants, the Omicron variant has
more mutations concentrated above an area of protein that interacts with human
cells.
Recent reports
indicate that this variant is relatively different from the C.1.2, Beta, and
Delta variants and has different evolutionary (developmental) pathways.
Early research
evidence also suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant
compared to other variants in the same category.
SARS-CoV-2 PCR
diagnostics are currently being carried out to detect the B.1.1 variant. 529.
Some laboratories have indicated that a standard PCR test is performed, undetectable,
and one of the three target genes. This is called an S gene dropout or a
failure of the S gene target.
This makes the
PCR test used as a variant marker, pending confirmation of sequencing results.
Using this
approach, this variant has been detected faster than previous spikes in
infections, suggesting the Omicron variant may have a faster spread advantage
over other variants.
Currently, there
are no reports of unusual symptoms related to variant B.1.1.529. Like other
Covid-19 variants, some positive people may also show no significant signs.
Even so, you need
to know the typical symptoms of
most cases of Covid-19, namely:
- a fever characterized by a rise in
body temperature,
- the coughing continues for more than
an hour, even up to 24 hours this is more severe than a regular cough
- Loss of the ability to smell and
taste food (anosmia).
If you or your
family at home are experiencing the symptoms of Covid-19 mentioned above, especially anosmia, see a
doctor immediately to confirm the condition is further and get the proper treatment.
Can vaccinations fight the Omicron variant of COVID-19?
Early research
suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant. That is, people
who have previously been infected with COVID-19 will be more easily re-infected
with this variant.
However,
information about it is still limited, and researchers are still making further
observations. Therefore, the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be used as the right step to
protect a person from infections that cause severe symptoms and reduce the risk
of death if exposed.
In addition to vaccines, prevention
of the spread of the COVID-19 virus can also be done by using masks, diligently washing hands, avoiding
crowds, and reducing mobility. Several countries have restricted entry of
tourists from countries confirmed by variant B.1.1.529 and tightened
self-quarantine recommendations for people who have recently arrived from
abroad. As of November 29, 2021, Indonesia has also imposed a temporary entry
ban on migrants from countries confirmed to have Omicron cases, the imposition
of 14 days of quarantine for migrants from countries that may have this variant
and tightening other entry requirements.
In the meantime,
we must remain disciplined in carrying out health protocols by keeping our
distance, staying away from crowds, avoiding traveling abroad, and wearing
masks. If you have not received the vaccine, immediately visit the nearest
health facility to register for the COVID-19 vaccination.
