Ans:
1. Omicron variant is a variant of SARS-CoV-2(the virus that causes COVID-19). Omicron multiplies around 70 times faster than the Delta variant in the bronchi (lung airways) but evidence suggests it is less severe than previous strains, especially compared to the Delta variant. Omicron infections are 91 percent less fatal than the delta variant, with 51 percent less risk of hospitalization.
2. First reported to the Worlh Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa on November 24, 2021.
3. Symptoms of Omicron; a unique reported symptom of the omicron variant is night sweats, also, loss of taste and smell. And most commonly reported symptoms; cough, fatigue, and congestion or runny nose. And most frequent symptoms; runny nose, headaches, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.
4.The WHO recommended that people continue to keep enclosed spaces well ventilated, avoid crowding and close contact, wear well-fitting masks, clean hands frequently, and get vaccinated.
5. In December, studies, some of which using large nationwide datasets from either Israel and Denmark, found that vaccine effectiveness of multiple common two-dosed COVID-19 vaccines is substantially lower against the omicron variant than for other common variants including the Delta variant, and that a new (often a third) dose- a booster dose- is needed and effective, with it, substantially reducing deaths from the disease compared to cohorts who received no booster but two doses.
