12 Questions you wanted to ask about Omicron?

Covid-19 Pandemic - Omicron variant Q & A

Q 1) What are the Symptoms of Omicron infection?

A. Fever, Cold, scratchy throat/throat pain, sneezing, headache/bodyache, cough, weakness, and vomiting are some of the symptoms.

Diarrhea, nausea, loss of taste, and loss of smell can occur on occasion.

Q 2) How long do you need to isolate yourself post Omicron infection?

A. The majority of persons who become infected only require 7 days of isolation.

Q 3) What is the treatment of Omicron infection?

A. Treatment for symptoms (paracetamol for fever/pain, cough suppressant for cough, and so on)

In the majority of cases, fever is relieved/reduced within 72 hours.

Q 4) Is it Omicron infection or infection by Delta variant?

A. You should Suspect Delta variant if:

1. Fever persists for more than 72 hours

2. Hypoxia/Reduced Oxygen saturation

3. Breathlessness, Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate)

4. Predominantly lower respiratory symptoms.

Q 5) Should we take Molnupiravir for Omicron infection?

A. Molnupiravir is no wonder drug as it's

-- Only studied in the uninfected population .

-- Effectiveness against Omicron unclear

– Serious adverse effects – Not recommended for pregnant women.

Risk / benefit ratio is poor. So, avoid.

Q 6) What about Monoclonal antibody?

A. Monoclonal antibody cocktail – The cocktail now available (Casirivimab + Imdevimab) is NOT EFFECTIVE for Omicron, hence it should be avoided on a regular basis.

It should only be considered if a Delta variant is suspected in a high-risk patient (age > 60, substantial co-morbidities, non-vaccinated individual).

Q 7). What about other treatment options we have used in the past?

A. These medications and treatment are highly ineffective for Omicron infection like-

1. Doxycycline

2. Azithromycin

3. Ivermectin (Or any other antibiotic)

4. Interferon alpha 2b

5. Injectable Vit C

6. Favipiravir

7. Convalescent Plasma

Q 8) What are the options for treatment then?

A. For the vast majority of people, our bodies' immunity will handle the virus.

All that is required is isolation and symptomatic therapy.

- Paracetamol for fever

- Steam inhalation/ decongestants/ anti allergic medications for cold/ sneezing

- Betadine/ warm saline gargles + paracetamol/ ibuprofen for throat pain/ scratchiness

- Physical Rest

- Good Hydration

- Maintain contact with your doctor/physician by phone or video call.

Q 9) Is a chest CT scan necessary?

A. No. But, If your symptoms (fever, significant breathlessness, etc.) worsen beyond 72 hours, your doctor may request a CT chest scan.

Q 10) What should I interpret from RT PCR Ct (cycle threshold) value ?

A. For Omicron infection, disregard Ct values.

Q 11) Can Omicron be compared to a natural vaccine?

A . No, it’s a highly contagious and pathogenic virus that has resulted in enormous mortality and morbidity all across the world.

Many of my patients have had high fevers (up to 103 degrees Fahrenheit), severe bodyaches/throat discomfort, and weakness, among other symptoms.

Q12) Omicron is affecting vaccinated persons. Should I receive the booster vaccine?

A. Yes. It is true that Omicron infection is present in vaccinated individuals. But, the quantum of severity is less in previously vaccinated persons.

So, go ahead and take your booster dose.

Mask up and avoid social gatherings for a couple of months.