DO NOT PANIC AND STAY AWAY FROM OMICRON PROPAGANDA

In today’s world, Rumours are becoming rampant everywhere and especially in social media. Out of anxiety and excitement, people tend to share misleading information without verifying its authenticity. When it comes to medical news, it is always advisable to trust Doctors and medical fraternity. Do not fall prey to false rumours.

It is highly circulated in various medias that existing vaccines will fail against Omicron. As of now there is no clinical evidence to support this propaganda. As per World Health Organization (WHO), It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, including Delta.  Preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, but this may be due to increasing overall numbers of people becoming infected, rather than a result of specific infection with Omicron.  There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants says " Dr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal MBBS, MRCP, MD STAR HOSPITALS

It is also been widely circulated that Omicron is more easily transmissible compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors. As on date, there is no medical evidence to conclude that Omicron is more transmissible than other variants.

All variants of COVID-19, including the Delta variant that is dominant worldwide, can cause severe disease or death, in particular for the most vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key.

The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.

It's important for individuals not just rely on what they read online or hear from friends/family members, rather go through credible sources such as Doctors who have experience in this field before making any judgement calls based solely off rumours which can cause more harm than good.

Book Appointment: Dr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal MBBS, MRCP, MD STAR HOSPITALS