Introduction:
The World Health Organization announced the spread of a new variant of concern, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), on November 26, 2021. Cases of this variant were first recorded in South Africa. Although the severity of disease produced by the omicron variant is less, it has a rapid-spreading rate.
Why Does Omicron Cause a Rapid Surge in COVID Cases?
According to the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), the probability of the emergence and spread of Omicron remains high currently given its numerous mutations in the spike protein component.
This variant's community transmission control needs effective public healthcare strategies in developing and developed countries. The main effort is to control and ramp up the vaccinations and booster doses effectively to the general public. Decisive action on behalf of the public healthcare system is an emergency now to alleviate the heavy burden of rising cases and protect the vulnerable and immunosuppressed population as well.
What Measures Help Control the Surge in Omicron Cases?
The following interventions need to be followed globally to prevent the rise of cases:
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Appropriate use of face masks, particularly N95 masks, should be used by the public. The rate of spread of Omicron variants is relatively high compared to all other Coronavirus variants; therefore, wearing an N95 mask is essential. This is because an N95 mask filters about 95 % of the particles. A properly-fitted N95 mask offers the best protection as far as masking is concerned.
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Teleworking.
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Reducing crowding in public transport.
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Staying home when an individual exhibits even symptoms of cold, flu, or fever.
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Maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene.
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Allowing adequate ventilation in closed spaces.
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Ramping up vaccinations and booster doses to the public.
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Rapid reintroduction and strengthening of non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the ongoing Delta transmission.
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Prioritizing contact tracing irrespective of the vaccination status.
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Genomic surveillance and genomic sequencing.
What Clinical Symptoms Does the Omicron Variant Cause?
Symptoms of the Omicron variant would be the same as the other variants of the novel Coronavirus. Elusive research suggests that there will be no loss of smell or no loss of taste in those affected by this variant.
The main symptoms that clinically manifest need to be addressed immediately by the healthcare provider, and hence the given below signs need urgent medical attention in the current situation:
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Weakness.
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Nasal congestion or blocked nose.
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Headaches.
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Sore throat.
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Fever and chills.
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Cough.
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Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
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Runny nose.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Diarrhea.
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Fatigue (may be of sudden onset).
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Malaise.
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Muscle aches.
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Body pains.
What Does Research From Around the Globe Suggest About Omicron?
Research experts in the United Kingdom believe that the Omicron variant may not always produce similar symptoms as other strains of COVID infections. Flu-like symptoms should not be ignored and immediately reported to the healthcare provider.
According to scientists from South Africa, where the number of cases is on the rise and is most affected by this variant, they believe that the Omicron variant instead mimics the common cold symptoms, including sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and headache. However, one new addition or an unlikely sign now associated is back pain. Backaches and, broadly speaking of body aches and muscle aches, myalgia symptoms are also indicative of seeking medical attention.
What Is the Efficacy of Vaccines Against Omicron and Delta Variants?
In recent studies and clinical trials, a comparative analysis of the impact of vaccination against the Delta and Omicron variants was studied. The efficacy of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine was analyzed against the Omicron variant, and computer models were developed for the same. The evidence in some participants that the efficaciousness of the Corona vaccine against Omicron is only 30 %, which is 87 % against the Delta variant, has prompted the researchers to consider Omicron a "variant of concern" and to find new generation vaccines (such as a needle-free vaccine) to combat the multiple mutating variants further shortly.
Though most of the public vaccines currently in use have indeed proved highly effective in preventing both hospitalization and mortality rates in vaccinated individuals against Coronavirus, the neutralizing antibody titers that are usually observed after a booster shot has been recorded comparatively in much fewer titers in response to Omicron
The current data suggest that Omicron escapes the neutralizing antibodies to some extent. In the case of double vaccinated individuals, the reduction in the neutralization is 10 to 20 fold compared to the 40 fold neutralization reduction in the case of the Delta variant. In people who have received two vaccinations and have still been infected, the neutralization level of Omicron was higher as well.
Can Vaccination Help Combat Omicron?
Vaccination, however, still would help an individual fight this new variant (86 % boost and protection against severe COVID disease). According to the NHS (National Health Service), after exposure even to foreign substances (the antigens), the antibodies continue to circulate in our bloodstream, protecting at least partially against future mutations or the antigens involved.
Studies have shown that a booster shot of the mRNA vaccine Pfizer or Moderna can aid the best protection against the omicron variant. With the administration of booster doses, antibodies present in the blood increase, thus conferring immunity against the infection of COVID-19 and its variants. However, the effectiveness of vaccines against the omicron variant is not much apparent; WHO claims that almost all vaccines developed for COVID-19 help reduce the disease severity and mortality rate.
However, in specific individuals, be it immunosuppressed individuals or patients suffering from systemic health conditions. In older individuals, even after a booster dose or vaccination, neutralizing antibodies may not always be present, making them susceptible to new infections by varying mutants of the strain. Hence social distancing and personal hygiene coupled with preventive measures for boosting personal immunity and caution would be encouraged more in these individuals.
What Do Laboratory Studies on Omicron Suggest?
On a positive note, the laboratory studies conducted for this variant still show the virus needs an attachment to the ACE 2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme) receptors just like the other strains of Coronavirus to infect human lung tissues. This at least is reassuring to an extent given that the current vaccines developed, even though fully not able to combat Omicron's mutation because of the spike protein changes, can still, to an extent, help prevent mortality or severe COVID infections.
Compared to the participants of clinical trials who were vaccinated by Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the neutralizing ability of the immune system against Omicron has seen a 40 fold decline which means the current vaccines may indeed be ineffective in boosting immunity against this variant. However, in people already infected by COVID infection and then vaccinated after that, the blood samples showed adequate neutralizing potential and good antibody titers against Omicron.
Conclusion:
Ramping up testing, genomic surveillance worldwide, and genomic sequencing can confirm infection with this specific variant. Hence if prior immunity remains elusive or cannot equip individuals against the new strain, the public healthcare systems should increase the rate of vaccinations, make people implement preventive measures, COVID appropriate behavior (CAB) socially, and enforce social restrictions. Contact tracing should be prioritized irrespective of the vaccination status of the individuals.
