Written by Maria Montoya
On November 24, 2021, the WHO (World Health Organization) named the Omicron variant. Omicron is a new variant of COVID-19, first noticed in Botswana. According to recorded cases, it spreads fast, but the CDC and the WHO are still gathering information about the variant including how contagious it is, and how it may affect the body when compared to the original COVID strain. Symptoms of Omicron differ from the usual three symptoms associated with a normal strain of COVID. Symptoms include headaches, night sweats, vomiting, and loss of appetite. With symptoms similar to the flu, they may be easier to miss or ignore as a common illness.
How do new variants like Omicron come to be? Well, it’s a mutation of the original virus, but stronger. People are more susceptible to carrying, passing, and obtaining the virus. In addition to this, variants are often even more dangerous than the original strain of the virus as they are designed to attack immune systems that have already built up somewhat of a resistance to the original version.
The CDC and many other sources’ leading solution to the problem is vaccination, and being properly up to date with the booster shots. For those who would rather abstain from vaccination, it’s suggested to just make sure you social distance, isolate if symptoms pop up, and wear a mask. In addition to this, those vaccinated need to remember they are not invincible and can still carry the virus so they need to continue practicing proper protocol.
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