5 Simple Precautionary Measure to Take Against Covid – 19 Omicron Variant
We are in the year 2022, time flies fast. Almost three years after the coronavirus pandemic struck the world, we are still reeling from what felt like a modern-day apocalypse. Covid-19 had the world come to a halt but with the access to the vaccine, the new normal final came to the surface.
Until now.
The emergence of a new variant, Omicron that has been officially labeled as a variant of concern has everyone’s attention.
What is the Omicron variant?
Along with the fact that this variant is potentially dangerous, it is comparatively faster in terms of transmissibility. Vaccinated or not, this variant can spread to others with the probability of severe illness and reinfection risk. Yet, the research is still underway.
How did the Omicron variant develop?
COVID-19 was the beginning of virus mutation at a global level. The more it spreads, the more it undergoes “changes”. The newest variant is massive evidence of how COVID-19 India still has its grip on the nation.
Where is the Omicron variant present?
Although the variant has been detected in many parts of the world, there is a good chance that it is present in most countries.
How many Omicron variants of COVID-19 cases are there in India?
As India records its first death due to Omicron, India has reported more than 1000 Omicron cases with the highest number of cases from the National capital New Delhi.
How to prevent the Omicron variant?
Protection from this variant is possible through simple precautionary measures. This is only possible if you and your family diligently follow the following steps-
Mask up
- Make sure to cover your nose, chin, and mouth. Double mask if possible.
- Do not forget to sanitize your hands before wearing and taking off masks.
- Mask is the new normal, therefore, make sure to be responsible while handling it. Store your mask in a separate plastic bag.
- Make sure to wash your fabric mask every day, regardless of usage time. In the case of a medical mask, dispose of it after every use.
- Don’t use masks with valves.
Social distancing
- Social distancing is an important step to follow in public areas. Make sure to keep a physical distance of at least 6 ft. (approx. 2 arm’s length) from other people.
- Avoid physical contact with symptomatic people. This does not mean getting close to the ones not showing any symptoms. Follow social distancing with everyone. Anyone, including you, can spread the virus.
Avoid closed spaces
- Make sure to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces at all costs.
- Make sure to improve the ventilation at your home as well.
- Fresh air is important, wherever you are. Limit your time in areas with zero or less ventilation.
- Avoid hosting parties or small gatherings at your home.
Sanitization
- Hand sanitization is crucial. Make sure to wash your hands after each outdoor or indoor activity.
- Make sure to keep your house clean, disinfected, and sanitized.
Health Monitoring
- Carefully watch out for even the mildest symptoms. Shortness of breath, cough, fever, and throat pain/irritation.
- Keep a tab on your temperature.
- Most importantly, do not shy away from getting tested. It is an essential and responsible act.
- Get vaccinated if you have not, a single dose is not enough. Get a booster shot if you are a healthcare worker.
Regardless of the severity, we at Helix Pathlabs, believe, that despite the chaos, being informed and updated will help millions combat Omicron. Following each of the measures mentioned above and staying updated on the Omicron variant will keep you and your family protected against the COVID-19 virus.
Yet, we at Helix Pathlabs, believe, that despite the chaos, being informed and updated will help millions combat Omicron.
Meet Our MD, Dr. Charandeep Singh Sahni
We take pride in the fact that we are led and driven by the innovative and humanitarian approach of our honourable managing director, Dr Charandeep Singh Sahni. Carrying several years of experience in medical services under his belt, Dr Sahni has been actively involved in organizing and conducting national and state-level conferences at TMH. He specializes in lymph node pathology, GI pathology, head and neck pathology, and breast pathology.
Medical Academic Background and Career at a Glance
- MBBS from the prestigious Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai with distinction in Biochemistry and Pharmacology in 2000.
- MD in pathology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai from 2003-06.
- Worked as Senior Resident in Department of Histopathology at PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Research and Papers Presented by Dr Sahni
Dr Sahni also demonstrated his professional achievements by presenting his research works at several eminent conferences. Some of his research work was published and referred by eminent medical journals.
- He presented a poster on “Aorto-Left Atrial Fistula” in APCON 2003 at Bhubaneswar.
- His paper on “Analysis of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Study of 173 cases” in APCON 2005 at Pune was lauded by the healthcare community.
- In 2006, he demonstrated an important piece of research titled “Distribution, clinicopathological characteristics and immunophenotyping of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A study of 313 cases using WHO classification (2000)” at APCON 2006 in Bangalore.
Key Published Works:
Dr Sahni has also been involved with many articles published by leading science and medical journals.
- Bothra R, Pai PS, Chaturvedi P, Majeed TA, Singh C, Gujral S, Kane SV. Follicular dendritic cell tumour of tonsil – is it an underdiagnosed entity? Indian J Cancer 2005; 42 (4): 211-4.
- Charandeep S Sahni, Sangeeta B. Desai. Distribution and Clinicopathological characteristics of non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma in India: A study of 935 cases using the WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms (2000). Leukaemia and Lymphoma 2007; 48 (1): 122-133.
- Charandeep Sahni, Sangeeta Desai. Primary testicular precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma: A rare entity. Leukaemia and Lymphoma 2007