Tag: Delta Variant

Unlike the Delta variant, previously considered to be the main variant of concern in most countries, the dynamics of the Omicron variant showed different characteristics, they said.

Around 60% of COVID infections reported in Odisha these days are related to the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the Director of Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, Ajay Parida said.

A few days ago, a sample survey was conducted in which presence of the Delta variant in 25-30 per cent positive cases was found

The cell culture study also showed that Omicron viruses remain sensitive to eight of the most important antiviral drugs and drug candidates for the treatment of Covid-19.

Despite a lower risk of severe disease and death following infection than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, the very high levels of transmission have also resulted in significant increases in hospitalisation.

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At the same time, while the immunisations remain very effective at preventing severe disease and death, they do not fully prevent transmission.

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In a separate tweet on Friday, Swaminathan said: "Hospitalisations are also rising, mostly in unvaccinated people. Though #Omicron may cause less severe disease, a small percent of a huge number is still very large & can overwhelm health systems".

An Al Jazeera report mentioned, quoting doctors, that more severe Covid-19 symptoms being seen in hospitalised children this month include difficulty breathing, high fever, and dehydration.

Omicron, first detected from southern Africa in late November, has become dominant in several countries including the US and the UK, outpacing the previously dominant Delta variant, which was considered to be the dominant strain in many countries until recently.

The states have been advised that the main elements of the framework to be used should be based on the test positivity rate of 10 per cent or more in the last one week and on bed occupancy of 40 per cent or more on oxygen supported or ICU beds.

A look at UK data hints big. Unless remedied, Omicron has the potential to acquire community transmission in just 30-days

Some reports also have suggested that people living in areas with lower vaccination rates are at greater risk of getting co-infected. In addition, the risk of co-infection has been found more among the elderly, those with co-morbidities and a compromised immune system.