How to Protect Yourself Against the Omicron Variant
Date Posted:26 December 2021
If you've been paying attention to the news lately, you're probably aware that a new coronavirus variant is spreading around the world. While we still don't know much about the omicron variant, it appears that it will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here's everything you need to know about the omicron variant and how to protect your family.
What exactly is the Omicron variant?
Botswana and South Africa were the first to identify the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529). Omicron, named after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet, was recently designated a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization due to a high number of mutations that have the potential to make the virus more transmissible and less susceptible to existing vaccines.
The emergence of omicron, like any other variant of concern, raises a slew of questions that must be addressed with solid data and evidence. Among these are the following: "Do I need a new vaccine to be protected?" "; "Will it spread more quickly than other viruses?" "; "Can this virus be detected using testing kits available in pharmacies and hospitals?" "; "Will having this variant strain make people sicker? "; "Do current medications still work to treat people infected with this variant strain?" ”
In the coming weeks, scientists hope to learn more about the omicron variant. There is currently no reason to believe it is resistant to current vaccines.
How can you safeguard yourself against the Omicron variant?
While public health and medical professionals around the world scramble to learn more about the omicron variant, you have the ability to keep omicron and other viruses away from you and your family. The power comes from Universal Precautions, which have proven effective not only against COVID-19 but also against many other viruses that spread from person to person when people talk, laugh, eat, sneeze, cough, and engage in other activities that cause viruses to be propelled into the air.
There are several layers to the Universal Precautions. The more layers you apply and the more frequently you apply them, the more effective they are at protecting you, your family, and others.
- 1st Layer - Stay healthy and get vaccinated as soon as your turn comes around. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available for children aged 5 and up. For more information, speak with your healthcare providers.
- 2nd Layer - Use an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water to clean your hands frequently. Hand sanitizer can effectively kill germs on your hands, preventing them from entering your body and spreading to others. To remove germs from your hands, wash them with soap and water.
- 3rd Layer - Clean and disinfect counter surfaces on a regular basis. In the grocery store, you can find germicidal wipes. Using them to clean countertops, shared surfaces, and so on can help to remove germs and kill any that remain.
- 4th Layer - Avoid crowds and keep at least 6 feet apart from others.
- 5th Layer - When you can't be 6 feet away from others or are in an enclosed space, wear a mask that fits you.
- 6th Layer - Request that friends and family refrain from visiting if they develop symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases.
- 7th Layer - If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases, isolate yourself until you recover. If your symptoms worsen, consult your doctor.
We believe your health is in your hands because we live in an environment with many known and unknown viruses and other types of germs.
