With the fast-spreading rate of Omicron, the latest variant of the Coronavirus, here are 4 things you should know.
1. How It Spreads
The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original COVID-19 virus.
It is expected that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or without symptoms.
2. The Effect of Vaccines On Omicron Variant
Current vaccines are believed to protect us against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.
However, Omicron has more tendency to reinfect people who have been previously infected and received some protection against Covid-19.
3. Symptoms of the Omicron Variant
Some of the symptoms of the Omicron virus have reportedly been gentle so far, with no cases of loss of taste or smell.
However, one might experience a running nose, sore throat, fever, cough and headache.
4. Tools To Protect Against Omicron
Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.
Other preventive measures include the use of nose masks and hand sanitisers, social distancing and constant tests.