Sore throat, body pains and headache are the symptoms of Omicron virus of SARS-Cov 2 in India. A total of 257 cases have been identified in the country till December 23rd .
Active Covid 19 cases in the country are 78,291 and of these 8,944 are serious cases. Large number of new cases still continue to show Delta variant only in India.
International travellers, Indian business and holiday travellers are being tested in whom new cases of Omicron are being detected.
The spread at community level has started stated doctors as the medical fraternity in Hyderabad and Mumbai is reporting cases of re-infection with Omicron.
Genome sampling of doctors and healthcare workers is showing the presence of new variant. A doctor and his family have been infected in Hyderabad. Vaccinated, yet they have been infected.
Their case which is being closely observed by medical fraternity is mild. The complaints are of mild symptoms of sore throat and headaches. There is no penetration of SARS-Cov 2 – Omicron variant in the lungs. Dr J A Jayalal, national president of Indian Medical Association, New Delhi, says, “Omicron cases are reported with mild to moderate symptoms so far. The variant has not affected the lungs. Yet, all precautions must be taken. There are people who are vulnerable like senior citizens, children and also those who are immune-compromised.
Children below 18 years of age are still not vaccinated. There are also those who are vaccinated are being re-infected signifying immune escape. Vaccinated people must not take symptoms of sore throat and headaches lightly. The reinfection rate is very high.” With genome sequencing limited and only a few samples being tested there is fear that Omicron variant has spread in the community.
Quantifying the exact number of cases is a difficult task stated health experts. The doubling time in Omicron variant is 2 to 3 days but the viral load is less. Dr C Vijay Kumar, senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad says, “The spread of the virus is very fast. Minimal contact is also leading to spread. Most of the infection is found in the throat region. So far, it has manifested like viral infection.
We have to wait and watch how it manifests over a period of time. If it continues to remain mild and like a viral infection then it will be end of the pandemic.” The spread of Omciron in the community during the months of winter is expected and there will be a rapid rise in cases, state healthcare experts. Precautions include masking, avoid mass gathering and consult experts when symptoms of sore throat, body aches and headaches are noticed. Being safe and vaccinated are the only way forward.
Reports From SOUTH AFRICA:
South African Medical Association, Dr Angelique Coetzee, stated on December 21 nd in a review meeting with health experts that most patients infected with Omciron in South Africa recovered. The line of treatment after diagnosis was low dose cortisone and ibuprofen to relieve muscle pain and headaches.
By
Kaniza Garari
Senior Assistant Editor
