Omicron - How To Protect Yourself

The World Health Organization (WHO) received the first report of the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron on November 24, 2021, from the Network for Genomics Surveillance. After being discovered for the first time in Botswana, it has now spread to become the most common version worldwide.

Know how you can protect yourself from this deadly Coronavirus variant.

What is the Omicron Variant?

The Omicron variation of the coronavirus spread faster than any other variant previously known to science. The variant generated a sharp increase in new cases throughout the winter, straining certain hospital systems beyond repair.

Omicron was first identified by scientists due to its unique collection of more than 50 mutations. Some of these were carried by earlier varieties like Alpha and Beta, and earlier research showed that they might speed up the coronavirus transmission. Other alterations were reported to aid coronaviruses in dodging vaccine-induced antibodies.

The novel Omicron variant's severity is still unknown due to continuing studies. According to transmission data, Omicron appears to be doubling in the UK every two to three days. To keep safe and stop the spread, we must all do our part to defend one another right now.

Symptoms of Omicron Virus

From the preliminary data, certain symptom differences have been identified. For instance, Omicron might differ from earlier variations because it might be less likely to result in a loss of smell and taste.

Common symptoms include:

Nasal Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever or body chills
Cough or hoarse voice
Sore throat
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue, or muscle or body aches
Headache

Within two to 14 days of being exposed to COVID-19, any of these symptoms may manifest. Each symptom will vary in intensity from individual to person.

Are omicron sub-variants protected by the vaccination or booster?

The Food and Drug Administration approved a novel Covid booster in August that specifically targets the BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants' spike proteins. This supplement also targets the virus's initial strain, which was discovered for the first time in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.

People who had received their Covid immunizations in the past experienced a milder sickness from the variation during the first omicron wave.

Although Pfizer has stated that its new booster produces a higher immune reaction against BA.4 and BA.5 than the original vaccine, pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer have not yet provided statistics on how successful their revised boosters are against infection, serious illness, and death.

Who is eligible for the Omicron booster shot?

People who are most at risk for COVID will be able to get booster doses from the NHS who had their second dose of a vaccine at least three months ago.

People over 30 who reside in and work in nursing homes are frontline health and social care providers.
Individuals over the age of 16 who have a condition that puts them at a high risk of developing a significant COVID infection
Pregnant women in one of the eligible categories can also receive a booster dosage.

Anyone in England who is above the age of 18 can reserve their booster through the national NHS booking system.

How to protect yourself from Omicron?

So what measures can you take to protect yourself from Omicron? Read below.

Vaccination: The CDC claims that vaccination is the greatest method of protection against COVID-19 mutations. Vaccines are successful at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death, even if breakthrough infections do occur. A vaccine is available to everybody who is at least five years old.

Booster Shot: Booster shots restore a person's decreasing immunity over time. All adults must wait at least six months or two months after receiving the second dose of a Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccination before receiving a booster shot.

Put on a mask: Wearing a mask around is still one of the greatest strategies to stop the virus from spreading, regardless of which versions are in circulation. Whether you've had a vaccination or booster shot, you must follow this.

Know the facts: Know what is expected of you, whether visiting family and friends, attending events, or traveling. You might have to get tested within a certain amount of time or present documentation of your immunizations. Additionally, you might need extra security measures depending on who you're with and where you're going.

Coronavirus latest insights

In the previous seven days, 21% of adults in Great Britain said they had covered their faces when they were outside (from 8 to 20 November 2022). In the same time frame, 10% of individuals reported having a lateral flow test within the previous week.

Between 22 November and 4 December 2022, 28% of adults in Great Britain identified the coronavirus pandemic as a significant problem for the country.

How can you book for Covid’19 Vaccination or Booster Shot?

Currently, anyone over the age of 30 can make a reservation online, while anyone over 18 can attend a walk-in center and receive a booster shot. You'll be routed to the NHS booking system to select a location when it's time to schedule your vaccination or booster.

You must make an appointment via the NHS booking system to access this service.

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