Like the Delta variant, the Omicron virus is a variant of the novel coronavirus, COVID 19. The Omicron variant is fast–spreading, and thus it becomes all the more important to stay informed of what to expect and how to stay safe against infection. To that effect, let’s take a look at this novel strain of COVID 19 and its symptoms.

What is Omicron Virus?

The Omicron virus is a variant of SARS–CoV–2. It was first detected in South Africa. Several countries around the world have already reported Omicron cases. This variant has high transmissibility which means that one sick person can infect up to 7 to 14 people in an unvaccinated population. This is about 1.5% to 2% more transmissibility than that of the Delta variant. The omicron virus also has a greater number of mutations than any other previous variants of the coronavirus. However, the Omicron virus does not cause very severe infection; thus, it has a low fatality rate. It affects the upper airways of the lungs that connect to the nose, throat, and windpipe.

Omicron Virus Symptoms

Here are some of the symptoms commonly observed in people who are infected by the Omicron virus:

• Shortness of breath

• Fever

• Cough

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Runny nose

In severe cases of infection, omicron can also cause pneumonia and death of the infected person. If you have any of the above–mentioned symptoms, get a COVID–19 test done immediately.

How to Stay Protected Against the Omicron Virus?

Here are a few measures that you should take to stay safe from infection.

• Follow proper hygiene

  Keeping yourself and your environment clean is one of the most basic ways of reducing the risk of COVID–19 infection. Make use of sanitizers and alcohol–based disinfectants to clean your house. Wash your hands with soap and water or use a proper hand sanitizer before touching your face.

• Maintain social distancing

  Governments across the globe have enforced various lockdowns in their respective countries to avoid large crowds from gathering and possibly spreading infection. If you are in a public place, it is better to stay away from crowded areas and keep at least 1–meter distance between yourself and other people.

• Wear a mask the right way

  Wearing a mask limits the water droplets that escape from your mouth while talking, sneezing, and coughing. This helps reduce the number of virus particles present in the air. It is important to wear a clean mask that properly covers your nose and mouth. Make sure that your loved ones also wear masks in public to stay safe from Omicron Virus infection.

• Get vaccinated

  Evidence suggests that COVID–19 vaccines have helped in combating the spread of the virus. This claim has been backed by governments across the globe. If you have not yet taken your doses of the vaccination, get it done as soon as possible.

Stay Protected with Health Insurance

Sometimes, no matter how much we try, things can still go awry. Health insurance can help keep you secured in such uncertain times. A good health insurance policy will cover you for hospitalization expenses as well as pre–&–post–hospitalization treatments that can otherwise put a huge dent in your savings. So why wait? Settle for a trusted insurer and explore a range of health insurance policies that can offer you the protection you need.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.