Too early to panic but take precautions: Docs
Posted 01 Dec 2021 | Source: NT
The discovery of Omicron, the latest coronavirus variant, has led to a good deal of panic across the state, especially as two South Africans (Where the variant was first seen) tested positive for Covid-19. However, despite the scare, people aren’t sticklers for Covid protocol. Doctors say that while it is still too early to fell, people shouldn’t let their guard down.
Dr Shalini Joshi, Senior Consultant –internal Medicine at Forts Hospitals said, “This variant B.1.1.529 Omicron, with high amount of spike mutational, unseen before, has popped up in many European countries, mere days after it was identified in south Africa. It’s too early to comment on its severity but it does appear to be highly transmissible. ”
Dr Swati Rajagopal, Consultant, Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Aster CMI, says we should be proactive about staying safe. “Omicron has over 50 mutations as compared to the Delta variant,” She explains. “It means that the virus has adapted to the human host by generating a new variatiant - Omicron – not that all the variations are dangerous.”
The next few weeks will tell us of the dangers, she says. “Since the spike protein is the area that binds to the human host and the target of vaccines, we need to review these mutations. There are at least 10 in tis variant, compared with two in delta and three beta variants.”
Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, Chairman at Assra Hospital said “At this point of time we can say that only oxygen and steroids are the only effective medications. Government must start ramping up oxygen facilities right away and take over the supply chain if needed.”
It’s also hard to say how effective a booster does would be against the new strain, he explains. “It seems we might need a new vaccine or a modified version of the existing one Elderly people and those with comorbidities are the most vulnerable, as are those who go out to work or remain outdoors through the day.”
What do we do now?
Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Hospitals said , “We need to continue following strict COVID protocols. Getting vaccinated and taking booster does is also crucial. Travellers must also be considered.”
