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Highlights
- Omicron, the more contagious Covid-19 variant than any of its earlier versions, poses a lower risk to most individuals, reveal preliminary studies
- Chances of the need for hospitalisation if one ever gets infected by this variant, is comparatively less than the earlier strains of the coronavirus
- However, caution, i.e., vaccines and boosters against the virus, is the need of the hour to help evade infections pertaining to this new variant
With the emergence of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, which is gradually spreading like wildfire across the nations and has sent panic waves among the people, any good news on the new variant is rare and hugely welcomed.
As the nations are on the verge of facing another medical crisis and chances of restrictions and lockdowns are looming amid the start of the new year, Omicron, though, has the tendency to spread much faster than the previous versions; studies suggest that this new variant is milder on infections.
Related Read: World in panic mode as Omicron arrives
Sources: © Kadettmann | Megapixl.com
What does science say about the anti-viral drugs in combatting the infection arising from the new virus?
Anti-viral drugs like Lagevrio (molnupiravir) and Xevudy (sotrovimab) have been shown to avert any serious infections.
Do Read: Can COVID-19 vaccines help protect from Omicron variant?
Further, these drugs decrease the chances of viruses produced in the human body, thereby lowering down the need of requiring hospitalisation.
Moreover, reports indicate that when administered with booster shots, these anti-viral drugs offer additional protection against the dreaded illness.
Is the likely new Omicron wave less infectious?
Many scientists believe that the likely duration of an Omicron wave might be shorter as compared to the earlier deadlier versions of Covid-19.
Interesting Read: Can Omicron cause more damage than other COVID-19 variants? the latest findings
Another reliever is that, considering how the wave has progressed in South Africa, the country where Omicron first emerged, the cases appear to be milder as they complete their clinical course.
Thirdly, preliminary studies opine that though the new variant, being much more capable of reproducing in the upper respiratory tract, resulting in faster virus transmission through cough and sneezing, it is comparatively less efficient in the lungs, which otherwise is most dangerous to impact the host, leading to ghastly implications.
Must Read: Can the world ever get rid of COVID-19?
Furthermore, another encouraging factor is that as most of the people now have had at least some vaccine or were previously infected, this might help in lowering down the severity of the virus.
Bottom Line
With almost two years into the pandemic, whatever is said and done, the dynamics of Covid-19 and its variants are baffling, as every country and its residents respond differently depending upon their immunity levels and population structure.
