EXPERT ADVICE
Omicron Not Fatal, But Covid Protocol Still Must
G Srinivasa Rao, director of public health, Telangana, answers queries from TOI readers on the new variant of Covid-19, its symptoms, severity quotient and if a booster dose is on its way
How dangerous is this Omicron variant and what precautions should one take to keep safe and not contract it? —Manav Parikh
As per the evidence and clinical studies so far, especially from SA (the epicentre of this Omicron), the variant is not dangerous, does not require hospitalisation and does not cause death. Completing the vaccination process, wearing masks, hand sanitisation, social distancing, avoiding crowded places, will give maximum protection from infection/its complications/need for hospitalisation and certainly from death.
What are the symptoms of Omicron? Can it cause severe illness and will existing treatments work? — Shreshtha Raghuwanshi
It usually leads to severe body pains, headache, and weakness. The usual symptoms of Covid-19 (loss of smell/taste, respiratory symptoms, breathlessness etc) are not observed. However, it may take a further three to four weeks for it to fully evolve and for us to know much more. Omicron as of now is not causing serious symptoms/disease. The existing treatment protocols for Covid-19 are to be followed and will be effective. Symptomatic, supportive treatment, isolation at home is enough.
If one does get infected with this variant, what are the general drugs available in the market that one can use to treat it immediately? —Katuru Durga Prasad Rao
It is advisable to get tested for Covid-19, get it confirmed by a doctor and then go for treatment, which varies for non-Covid/Covid/other respiratory disease. It is not advisable to use any medicine without a doctor's prescription/supervision. However, it is assured that all required medicines are abundantly available.
Should we continue following Covid-19 appropriate protocol like wearing masks\using sanitisers\checking temperatures? Should we again start avoiding crowded places like theatres, malls etc? —Krithika L Rao
Certainly yes. We need to take all these measures which help in preventing not only Covid/Omicron/ but other commonly communicable respiratory infections as well.
How vulnerable are completely vaccinated people to this infection? —Rakesh Kumar
Omicron as of now is being detected among the vaccinated population too. But the vaccine prevents it from becoming serious, the need for hospitalisation and death.
Is the variant more likely to cause serious infection among those who have taken only one dose? —Dhanya Raj
There is no such evidence so far. However, those who took a single dose and are due for the second dose I suggest they finish the schedule.
What are the chances of reinfection among the Covid-19 recovered patients? -Pa-rimala G Tadas
There are no studies available yet to ascertain this. But it will be a mild disease for people who have been infected earlier.
Is the virus also dangerous for school going children between 10 and 17 years of age? Is it safe to send them to school? —Akash Singh
Though Covid-19 infections have been observed among school going children so far, they have mostly been mild and not life threatening. They have not required any hospitalisation. The same applies to Omicron as well – that is, if at all it occurs among children. It is safe and needed too for children to be sent to school so as to prevent certain other physical/psychological effects observed due to prolonged home stays with online classes.
I am a retired person running a small tuition class. As there were growing concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine, I have stayed away from it. But now, with the new variant, I am a little worried. What should I do? —Joseph Moolayil
You certainly should take the vaccine since you are certainly susceptible to Covid-19/Omicron infection and its complications, which may be life threatening even if you do not have any pre-existing illnesses, taking your age into consideration.
Though we still do not have any Omicron cases in Hyderabad, what measures are being taken by the government to ensure it doesn’t make its way into the state? Also, does this variant spread much faster? —Geetali Banerjee
As of now, screening of all flyers (especially international), ensuring testing/tracing, enforcing quarantine etc are being taken up by the government. It is up to individuals and community also to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour personally and within their society, to keep the disease at bay. And yes, it does spread much faster than other variants. But thankfully, it is only a mild disease.
With the new variant looming large, why is booster dose not being given to people who are ready to take it? At least senior citizens and others with comorbidities can take it, right? —G S Narayana
Yes, the possibility of a booster dose is being debated and discussed by experts and will be given shortly, based on their recommendations. However, those who took only one dose should receive the due second dose without fail.
n What's your advice to pregnant women/ lactating mothers on Covid-19 vaccination? — Nikhita Menon
It’s highly recommended for them to take the vaccine since it will protect the mother directly and the baby indirectly (by transferring antibodies)
Any special/priority group for vaccination? —Karthik V
All persons above 18 are eligible. However, senior citizens with comorbidities (DM, hypertension, cancer, respiratory/heart/kidney/liver diseases) should receive Covid-19 vaccine compulsorily.
How about vaccination for children? — Neetu Singh
As per the available information it is going to start in a phased manner all across the country in 2022. Children from 12 to 18 years of age, especially with comorbidities will be given vaccines on priority basis. In the case of children younger than that, data/ studies suggest that they have good immunity and Covid-19 is unlikely to become a serious/life threatening issue among them, even if they are infected.
How important is the vaccine cerficate? -Ramesh Rao
It is going to be as important as an ID proof we carry for all practical purposes. But, different from a regular ID, you may need to carry it to enter malls, cinema halls, hotels etc in the future. At present, it is mandatory for air travel to all international and some domestic destinations.
Any further advice for common people to stay safe? — S S Sekhar
People should avoid crowded places up to Sankranti. Travel only if compulsory. Make Covid-19 appropriate behaviour a part of your routine life.
Senior citizens, especially with comorbidities, young children and pregnant women to be more cautious. Do not panic, do not believe in rumours, irresponsible social platforms, check with reliable health authorities for facts and latest updates.
