Over the past months, the highly contagious new Omicron variants have become the dominant strain in many parts of the world. This issue made scientists seriously investigate and study this new and vaccine – evasive variant. Unfortunately, the Omicron variant, which alone has witnessed numerous genetic mutations, has changed again. Today, experts have identified several sub – groups of this virus in the world.
Despite the weakening of the corona restrictions in some countries, the spread of Covid – 19 continues. And the WHO also comments cautiously on the effects that new variants can have. But as long as the virus continues to circulate, the probability of its mutation of new versions increases.
XA” is a new and mutated variant of 2 sub – groups of Omicron, which was first observed in January in UK. And recently other countries such as India and Thailand have confirmed it.
WHO is tracking sub – variants of the highly contagious Omicron to find out if these sub – variants are more dangerous.
The WHO has so far studied Omicron sub – variants, including BA.1 and BA.2, which are currently dominant globally, as well as the new BA.1.1 and BA.3 sub – group. And recently, WHO has added BA.4 and BA.5 sub – variants to its list for monitoring.
Mixed variants occur when a person is infected with two variants at the same time. Thus, inside the patient’s body, these two variants combine genetically and create a new hybrid variant, which is not a rare phenomenon.
Is there anything to worry about?
Although the transmission ability of this sub – variant is high, there is still not enough evidence to prove the severity or lethality and also the effectiveness of vaccines against it. Health experts say that there is no particular concern at this stage. But WHO should carefully monitor the development process of this sub – sector, like other types, to determine its possible risks on a global scale
The best possible way to deal with the emergence of new strains of this virus is to prevent the circulation of the virus by conducting regular tests, immediate isolation in case of infection, and using quality masks, especially in closed and crowded places.
What is cryptic or hidden Omicron?
Cryptic Omicron is a variant of Omicron. This variant has caused two major Chinese cities to be quarantined again after a year. This variant, like the main variant of Omicron, affects the upper respiratory system and causes mild infections.
Cases of Covid – 19 are on the decline in many countries, but a new variant called BA.2 – nicknamed Omicron Stealth – is alarming the world. This new type of Covid – 19 is closely related to the Omicron variant, also called BA.1, and seems to be steadily replacing the original Omicron variant.
In fact, B-A2 is now the dominant strain of the covid – 19 in the United States, according to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This sub – variant has been responsible for about 55% of corona cases until March 26.
What are the symptoms of latent Omicron strain?
As we said, the Omicron sub – strain is a mutant of the corona virus and actually the main Omicron strain. Viruses generally lose some of their characteristics during mutation. It is very likely that the weakened Omicron symptoms are the original virus. Of course, that symptoms such as reduced sense of taste and smell are less in the Omicron strain. Many people show symptoms such as sore throat, itchy throat, and back pain after getting Omicron.
Are new Omicron variants detectable in PCR tests?
You should know that the Omicron variant is detectable in the PCR test. You should note that people who are infected with the Omicron variant are unlikely to be infected with its subgroups. But researchers believe that this may happen in certain cases.
The effect of the vaccine on Omicron variant and its sub – groups
Due to the fact that a new variant is usually created every few months, numerous tests are performed on them. According to the limited results obtained so far, we can say that various vaccines reduce the effect of this strain. In this way, people who have received three vaccine doses will have very mild symptoms.
Do current anti – viral drugs still, work on the new Omicron variants?
Some anti – viral drugs work by limiting the virus’s ability to copy (replicate) itself in the body. Remdesivir is the only anti – viral drug. Currently, the FDA has approved this drug for emergency use to treat Covid – 19. The FDA is currently studying two other antiviral drugs. They are Merck and Pfizer and the possibility that the FDA will approve them is very high.
Methods of preventing new Omicron variants
The WHO has repeated over and the best ways to stay safe from COVID – 19 to date.
Be sure to get vaccinated. Wear a mask in public places.
Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid large gatherings.
If you test positive for the virus, isolate yourself from others.
Alert people, you’ve been in contact with recently.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. See a doctor if your blood oxygen level drops or if your condition worsens.