There’s been plenty speculation doing the rounds about new COVID-19 variant Omicron. At times like this, it can be wise to check in with a trusted source without a partisan approach. We touched base with World Health Organization because they meet our specification. So what are the facts about Omicron without the politics?
But Before We Start, What is World Health Organization?
World Health Organization is a United Nations agency responsible for promoting ‘the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health’. However, it is not a political organization. Its 194 member states make sure it treads the middle path, and hence we can rely on it for impartial information.
What Does World Health Organization Say About Omicron?
World Health Organization published the following information on November 28, 2021. We provide a summary here. See the link below for their full article.
1… There is no firm evidence Omicron spreads faster than Delta. The surge in South Africa may be due to other factors [and was expected].
2… There is no proof Omicron causes more serious infections. The greater number of hospitalizations in South Africa may be the result of that surge.
3… Reinfections may be occurring more often among previous COVID-19 patients. However once again, the known facts about Omicron are limited.
4…. We don’t yet know how vaccines will respond to the new variant. Rest assured everybody is working hard to find answers!
5… Standard PCR polymerase chain reaction tests are successfully detecting Omicron infections. Scientists are reviewing effectiveness of rapid antigen detection, and other tests.
6… Corticosteroids and IL6 receptor blockers will still be effective for managing patients with severe COVID-19. Epidemiologists are still assessing other options.
Now We Know the Facts About Omicron Where to From Here?
Scientists throughout the world are working around the clock to add facts and complete the picture. Meanwhile, we should all focus on not catching or transmitting COVID-19 infections, via any variant. In other words, we continue as we did before.
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Preview Image: SARS-CoV-2 Radial Tree
