The COVID19 update on January 15,2022 : Variant of concern and Omicron Clinic Edward Dong Grade 10, VPCI, SunLifegene Academic Program in Medical Science, Toronto, ON, Canada January 15, 2022

What is variant of concern? Through a comparative assessment of the Sars cov2 genomic sequencing by bioinformatic methods, the mutation showing the variants of interested (VOI) meets being more transmissible, negatively affecting public health and social measures, resistant to vaccines and therapeutics as well as being more severe to a human, all on a global scale. Currently WHO designated total 5 types of variants of concern, including the alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and omicron.
The vaccinated and unvaccinated people’s symptoms of Omicron
From people who had been vaccinated , there are reports that the symptoms of omicron are very similar to the symptoms of the common cold, including fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and more.
A report has found that an unvaccinated man in his 50s has died from omicron. People who have received the vaccine but not the booster dose may experience the expected symptoms including coughing, fever, and fatigue. People who have taken the booster shot have shown to have milder symptoms. The incubation period of omicron: Although research is limited, early data has shown that it has taken from a week to a few days for a person to show symptoms after contracting the omicron variant. It is logical that a highly transmissible variant has a shorter incubation period, as it infects as many people as possible in a short amount of time.
How to treat yourself if you got COVID:
Drink plenty of water: this will help to keep your body hydrated and healthyRest: Your body will be able to fight the virus more effectively if you rest itTake over the counter medicines like advil or tylenol to help reduce your symptoms Isolate yourself from people in your household who are not showing symptoms Call 911 if you are having trouble breathing .Drink soothing foods like soup.

How risky is Omicron?
The risk of Omicron is significantly higher than other variants. This is because of its ability to transmit itself very quickly, resulting in an increase in hospitalizations, and making our hospital systems more burdened. We are still learning about its capabilities and are adapting to the virus as quickly as possible