Omicron virus (variant B.1.1.529) is the latest variant of COVID virus and was first reported to WHO on 24 November 2021.  This variant has around 32 mutations around the spike protein and has given the virus the ability to infect humans more easily and replicate faster than previous variants.  It is therefore able to spread across the community much more quickly and can also re-infect patients who have been infected with COVID previously.  Fortunately the existing COVID vaccines do provide some degree of protection against severe symptoms of the Omicron virus.  With a booster jab, the protection against Omicron virus increases compared to having only 2 doses.

Click to watch AlJazeera video on Omicron virus symptoms

Common Mild Symptoms of Omicron infection

• Runny nose
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Sneezing

Risk of severe symptoms and hospitalisations increase if patients are NOT vaccinated or are elderly with co-morbidities such as diabetes or heart / lung disease.  The risk of death is up to 43 higher in unvaccinated people.

More Serious symptoms include

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Loss of smell
• Shortness of breath

How to protect yourself against Omicron virus

The most important thing you can do is reduce your risk of exposure to the virus by following these recommendations;

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
• Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others
• Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces.
• Open windows to improve ventilation indoors
• Wash your hands regularly
• Get vaccinated
• Get tested if necessary

Ask your doctor for COVID advice and testing

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