The document provides a short overview of the Omicron COVID variant. It notes that Omicron was first identified in South Africa in November 2021 and that the first US case was identified on December 1st. Common symptoms include fever, cough and tiredness while serious symptoms include difficulty breathing. It is believed to be more transmissible than previous variants. PCR tests can still detect the variant and studies are ongoing on rapid tests. Current treatments are expected to be effective and vaccination provides protection against severe illness. WHO recommends measures like distancing, masks, ventilation and hand hygiene to stop spread.

1. :
Omicron Covid
Variant: A
Short
Overview
MR. SAGAR KISHOR SAVALE
M. Pharm, (Pharmaceutics), Shirpur, 425405, Maharashtra, India
Date: 29.12.2021
Omicron COVID Variant: A Short Overview
By Mr. Sagar Kishor Savale
Email: sks747202@gmail.com
Contact: +91 9699150842

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Omicron [SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529]
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution (TAG-VE) is an independent group of
experts that periodically monitors and evaluates the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and assesses if specific
mutations and combinations of mutations alter the behavior of the virus. The TAG-VE was convened on
26 November 2021 to assess the SARS-CoV-2 variant: B.1.1.529.
History:
The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
December 1, 2021: The first confirmed U.S. case of Omicron was identified.
Omicron COVID Variant Symptoms
1. Most Common Symptoms: Fever, Cough, Tiredness, Loss of Taste or Smell.
2. Less Common Symptoms: Sore Throat, Headache, Aches, Pains, Diarrhoea, Rash on
Skin, Discolouration of fingers or toes.
3. Serious Symptoms: Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath, Loss of Speech or
Mobility, or Confusion or Chest Pain.
Omicron is more transmissible (e.g., more easily spread from person to person) compared to
other variants.” It may be more transmissible.
Testing
The widely used PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron, as
we have seen with other variants as well. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any
impact on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection tests.

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Effectiveness of Current Treatments:
 Enhance surveillance and sequencing of cases.
 Share genome sequences on publicly available databases, such as GISAID; reporting
initial cases or clusters to WHO.
 Perform field investigations and assessments to understand if Omicron.
 Countries should implement effective public health measures to reduce COVID-19
circulation overall, using a risk analysis and science-based approach.
WHO Recommended Actions to stop the spread?
 Keep physical distance of at least 1 meter from others
 Wear a mask
 Open windows to improve ventilation
 Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces
 Keep hands clean
 Get vaccinated
Vaccines
Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due
to infection with the Omicron variant.