A new variant of COVID-19 was reported from Botswana, South Africa on (Wednesday) November-24-11-2021. The Omicron variant was early detected in specimens that were collected on Nov 11, 2021, in Botswana and on Nov 14, 2021, in South Africa.  The World Health Organization on Nov 26, 2021, designated the new variant of SARS-CoV-2  B.1.1.529  a variant of concern (VOC) on the recommendations of WHO`s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution (TAG-VE)  and named it as Omicron.  The Omicron got its name after the Greek alphabet`s 15th letter “O”. However, in the United States, the Omicron was designated a variant of concern on Nov 30, 2021, and the first case of the variant was reported from California.

The World Health Organization and preliminary data report that the variant has a large number of concerning mutations.  Moreover, as compared to other variants of concern (VOC`s), there is a high risk of reinfection with Omicron among the people who had COVID-19 previously.

The South African Medical Association Chairperson Dr. Angelique Coetzee was among the first doctors to report the new variant. While talking to Reuters, she said stated the Omicron symptoms as very minor and could be treated at home. Young university students with mild sickness were the first among which the new variant was reported.

Several reports suggest that there are 32 unprecedented mutations on Omicron`s spike protein which is double the amount of Delta variant.  Moreover, there are also 10 mutations on its receptor-binding domain (RBD) and according to the initial reports, the reproduction rate of the Omicron variant is 2 which means that a person infected with the Omicron variant can transmit it to two other persons.

Charles Chiu, a microbiologist at the University of California and whose lab detected the first case of Omicron variant in the United States, says that the Omicron variant is quite surprising. He believes that if the variant doesn’t cause any serious infection for most people but it may result in more hospitalizations and deaths due to an increase in the number of cases.

The Omicron is blamed for the abrupt increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa. Until mid-November, the country recorded about 250 cases per day but now there are more than 8000 cases on daily basis. Prof Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia believes that the variant may spread quickly and may probably become the dominant variant in the next few weeks.

Signs & Symptoms of Omicron Variant

According to the World Health Organization that it is still unclear that the Omicron symptoms are different from other variants.  However, the WHO also says that the symptoms can cause severe illness or death mostly in sensitive people.  Rebekah Ann Vreeeland Sensenig who is an infectious disease expert at Riverside Health System in Virginia, says that “ It is a really good thing to know that the Omicron symptoms are milder than Delta variant”. On seeing that the new variant infects mostly young students, she believes that the strong immunity system of the adults could be the only reason for mild symptoms.  Moreover, the Omicron symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Red or irritated eyes
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Loss of speech or mobility
  • Confusion
  • Chest Pain

Prevention from Omicron Variant

  • Before moving out, always wear a face mask covering your mouth and nose.
  • Make sure you wash your hands with sanitizer or soap before leaving or entering the house.
  • Avoid going to crowded places.
  • Maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
  • Never miss your vaccination dose and get vaccinated to safeguard yourself and your family.
  • Isolate yourself immediately from others if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms.

Many healthcare experts believe that the best treatment for all COVID-19 variants is self-care and following the COVID-19 SOP`s.  However, apart from the self-care and vaccines, you can manage the COVID-19 infection naturally with the help of certain Ayurvedic medicines and herbs that are worth considering. Ayurvedic treatment for COVID-19 infection mainly focuses to boost your immunity and balance the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha dosha, In Ayurveda, several natural herbs like Giloy, Ashwagandha, etc that are quite helpful to boost the immunity and can also help to manage the COVID-19 infection. Below are Life Aveda`s Premium herbal products that can help you to boost your immunity and control the COVID-19 infection.

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Premium Immunity Enhancer

This formulation has very powerful herbs known in the world of Ayurveda to enhance immune defense, support healthy lungs, and strengthen the respiratory tract. All 7 herbs work synergistically to offer full-body support for robust health and a strong immune system.

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Wheatgrass capsules are a refreshing natural detox formula that supports healthy digestion, immunity, and cholesterol levels. These capsules are the best way to get maximum nutrition and promote overall body health.

Conclusion

Omicron variant cases have now been reported from more than 50 countries and because of its several mutations, it has become a matter of serious concern.  The World Health Organization and several researchers throughout the world are working with several technical organizations to understand the potential impact of the Omicron variant. To know more about COVID-19 infection, its variants, home remedies, and diet plan for COVID-19 infection, you can consult our Ayurvedic expert on +91-7743002520 for free.