First test kit to detect Omicron gets approval | How dangerous is Omicron?
First test kit to detect Omicron gets approval
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| First test kit to detect omicron gets approval |
Omicron Latest News:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has
given its approval for the first test kit to detect the new variant of the
corona, Omicron.
The name of this test kit is OmiSure and this kit is
manufactured by 'Tata Medical and Diagnostics'.
This kit will help in testing the Covid-19 positive
samples of Omicron variants.
How does OmiSure Kit work?
This kit is based on the S Gene Target Failure
(SGTF) methodology.
It contains many genes like S, ORF, N, Rdrp, E, etc.
These genes make up the genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2.
These genes are targeted for the detection of the
covid-19 virus.
In the case of Omicron, Thermo Fisher's Taq Path
RT-PCR does not detect the S gene, while other target genes such as the ORF
gene and the N gene are detected.
The SGTF methodology is central to taking positive
samples in which the RT-PCR test result is negative for the S gene, but
positive for the ORF and N gene.
Such samples can potentially be reported as Omicron
positive.
These samples can also be sent for fast-track genome
sequencing for confirmation.
Symptoms of Omicron:
Sneezing
Headache
Mild fever
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny Nose
Muscle pain
Extreme tiredness
Smell and Taste are both active
How dangerous is Omicron?
- Omicron is 5 times more powerful than the Delta variant.
- Monoclonal antibody therapy is also neutral.
- This variant has more than 50 mutations.
- This variant is also capable of dodging the vaccine.
Omicron is different than other variants because of
mutations, which means that it has changed shape and is better able to enter
the cells of the body. It replicates 70 times faster than previous variants and
has a higher ability to reinfect.
So you are more likely 3 to 4 times more likely to
be reinfected if you have had previous COVID with the Omicron variant. Overall,
we also see that based on early data the reproduction number is between 3 to 5.
How protect yourself from Omicron?
Wherever you are going, be sure to understand the
local rules but most importantly be socially responsible.
Don't take off your mask in crowded places, unless
you are with your nearest and dearest family members your mask should not come
off.
If you can kindly avoid crowded spaces, if you are
celebrating your holidays then take due precautions.
If you relax your precautions even for a bit and
catch the virus, your families will be the first ones to be at risk.
Travelers from 'countries at risk' will need to take
the Covid test post-arrival and wait for the results at the airport; If they
test negative then they will follow home quarantine for seven days.
If
possible, do not go out much outside the house, whenever you go out, wear a
clean mask, and work from home is advised.
Check Also: Which vaccine is better in India?
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