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If news about Omicron has got you worried, let’s talk about the basics about this new COVID-19 variant and what you can do to avoid getting it.
What is Omicron?
Omicron is the newest variant strain of the COVID-19 virus. It is also known as variant B.1.1.529. It was first identified in South Africa.
A variant is when a virus “mutates” or changes. The COVID-19 virus has had several mutations but currently, there are only about five variants of concern (VOC). VOCs are called such because they have a larger impact on public health. Scientists measure transmissibility (how it spreads), severity of the disease, vaccine effectiveness, and diagnostic testing to determine if a variant is a VOC.
Mayo Clinic Insights: What is a COVID-19 variant strain? Mayo Clinic
Should I be scared of the Omicron variant?
Initial studies show that Omicron is generally less severe compared to the Delta variant. But even if it is mild, it can still be life threatening especially for those who have weakened immune systems, diabetes, or chronic kidney, cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic or liver disease. Omicron has also been found to be more transmissible (or contagious) than Delta.
The good news is that data also show that the vaccine and booster provide some protection against this strain. Dr. Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital, says that even breakthrough cases (vaccinated people who test positive for Omicron) are milder and are less likely to get hospitalized, brought to intensive care, or die of COVID.
It can be concerning to know that new variants are coming up, but the most effective action you can take is to follow preventive measures and to stay informed. Scientists and researchers continuously update their findings as soon as new data becomes available. This is why public health guidelines are updated based on these scientific findings.
Worried about your kids going back to school? Read: Here’s what parents need to know about COVID-19 as their children prepare to return to classrooms, CBC Manitoba.
How do I know if I’m infected?
Based on preliminary evidence, symptoms of an omicron infection include the following:
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Sore throat
Some can also experience:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Congestion
- Runny nose
If you experience these symptoms and suspect that you have Omicron, stay home. Isolate yourself from others within your household. Check the online self-assessment tool or call Health Links-Info Santé to determine your next steps or to ask for help getting a COVID-19 test.
You can also check these pages to help you find a test site: Find a testing location or COVID-19 Testing.
How do I protect myself and my family?
- Get vaccinated. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities and ourselves against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes such as severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.
- Wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings and during activities with close contact with others who may not be fully vaccinated.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Stay six feet away from others when possible.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Monitor your health daily and watch for signs like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of COVID-19.
- Encourage healthy handwashing habits.
- Disinfect your home. Clean your home and disinfect afterwards. Make sure you use a Canadian approved hard-surface disinfectant. Wipe down tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks especially if someone tested positive for COVID-19 in your household.
- Mind your stress level. Stress can affect your immune system and quality of life. To avoid getting overwhelmed, limit the amount of attention you give to pandemic-related news in various media, especially social media. This can cause anxiety, confusion and fear. Rely only on reliable sources of information, like the Manitoba government website and Protect MB. COVID-19 Variant of Concern cases are monitored by The Manitoba Regional Health Authority.
Sources: Omicron FAQ: Everything you need to know about the COVID-19 variant, D’Andrea, Gilmore and Khan, Global News; What is a COVID-19 variant strain? Mayo Clinic; Early data reveals how effective vaccines are against the Omicron variant, Hannah Jackson, CTV News; and Manitoba switching COVID-19 testing process to help deal with backlog, Devon McKendrick, CTV News. Accessed January 6, 2022.
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