Omicron, a novel COVID-19 strain, is making news for its fast global spread. Many families may be wondering what measures to take, particularly when it comes to family gatherings and travel arrangements, as it moves through the UK.
Parents may learn more about the Omicron variety in this article, as well as what they can do to protect their children against it.
What is the Omicron variant?
New SARS-CoV-2 viral variant Omicron generates COVID-19 infections. According to the agency (WHO), on November 24, 2021, the CDC submitted this new variation to the World Health Organization, according to the agency (WHO). It was discovered in the first place in samples taken from Botswana and South Africa.
Is the Omicron variant a threat?
Experts (like a private respiratory paediatrician in Manchester) are currently examining the data to accurately assess the Omicron variant's global and national impact. However, in South Africa, the variety has been shown to contain many mutations, which might raise the likelihood of re-infection. In comparison to COVID-19, it has been identified more often, and it may be more easily transmitted than the Delta form.
What are the symptoms of the Omicron variant? Are people getting sicker with this strain than with previous strains?
According to preliminary statistics, hospitalisations from the Omicron variety have risen in South Africa. Because of poor vaccination rates, COVID-19 may be spreading more widely, rather than simply the Omicron variant—and this may be the cause of this rate.
Symptoms of the Omicron variety have been reported by South African doctors as modest thus far. Still, the severity of these symptoms will need to be determined over time. Symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, and exhaustion.
How does the Omicron variant affect children?
Insufficient evidence exists to draw conclusions. There is a 10% hospitalisation rate among children under 2 years of age in Omicron's epicentre, South Africa, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Parents may be taking additional measures by taking their very young children to the hospital, as was the case with the Delta version in South Africa.
For example, we don't know how the Omicron variation would affect youngsters in the United Kingdom, says a paediatric respiratory physician in Manchester.
Do vaccines protect against the Omicron variant?
The Omicron variation, as well as COVID-19 and other variants, should be protected against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death by COVID-19 immunisations, claims the CDC. Breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated people will occur just as in the Delta version, but the vaccination protects against serious illness.
Omicron's recent development underlines the need for COVID-19 protection measures such as immunisations, boosters, and prevention. The COVID-19 vaccination may be given to anybody at least 5 years old. The vaccination should be administered to everyone eligible to prevent the spread of disease and the emergence of new mutations.
Conclusion:
Everyone in your household should get immunised against the flu. This year's flu season is expected to be particularly severe, according to a private respiratory paediatrician. Flu and respiratory viruses may be prevented using the same procedures as COVID-19. Get the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, wash your hands, and keep your distance from others.
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