Since the emergence of the Omicron variant of concern, VoC in November 2021 that has been detected in Southern Africa, the news has massively spread across the world. It is predicted Omicron will not be the final variant but it may be the final variant of concern. Pre-elementary studies have shown the Omicron variant is more transmissible, but less severe than other variants. Therefore, the people should not speculate the news to prevent panic among the public. Studies also have demonstrated the current vaccines may be less effective against the Omicron variant. However, according to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the third dose is expected to increase the protection since the administration of the first and second dose has shown to reduce the effectiveness in preventing Omicron variant over 6 months after the injections. Jenis vaksin Covid19 provides immunity for people who are more susceptible, especially those with underlying comorbidities and old people.
Less severe infections
The narrative portrayed by the media has built a fear-mongering among the public on the spreading of the Omicron variant. The government should help to reduce the public concern by setting forth engaging facts that have been published in international media. Many have mentioned that although the Omicron variant is highly transmissible, the number of admission cases to hospital is less with fewer deaths reported. Moreover, the data shows people who are infected are likely to have developed severe symptoms because the people should have at least some immunity from the vaccinations prior infection with the coverage that over 97% of the population in Malaysia have been injected with at least 2 doses through the National Immunity Vaccination Program in 2021.
South Africa is a country where the virus has been found also show a less risk of hospitalization among adults diagnosed with Omicron probably 29 percent lower than during the first wave of the pandemic, and the number of hospitalized patients is less to be admitted to intensive care units. Some encouraging facts have illustrated Omicron may cause less damage to the lung resulting in less severe disease and less chances to develop long covid.
Symptoms are mild
People also should be less concerned about Omicron variant because studies have shown that those infected with Omicron variant developed mild symptoms than people who are infected with Delta variants. The most reported symptoms of Covid19 infections such as high fever, coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache and others. Although the symptoms of Omicron and Delta are quite similar, however, Omicron may be less likely to cause a loss of taste and smell by 21% as compared to Delta variant with almost 50 percent of people who are infected have a loss of taste and smell.
It has not reach peak of infections
Recently Malaysia has reported a significantly high number of Covid19 cases. Regardless of the number of cases of Covid19 in Malaysia, it is still under control. The Technical Lead of the World Health Organization said many countries have not reached the peak cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Therefore, the intervention of managing the Covid19 virus should be less confrontational but in fact it should be monitored closely with brilliant actions taken by the government in every country. The main authorities should not only focus on the vaccination program alone but they should also utilize all the possible tools available to curb the spread of Covid19 virus, said Director of WHO, Tedros.
Malaysia has taken initiative to speed up the detection of Omicron variant through increasing full genome sequencing to 5000 samples per month. The screening is conducted among travellers and high risk cases. The Ministry of Health Malaysia has executed Genomic Surveillance based on several strategies to overcome the spread of Omicron. Through genomic surveillance, The researchers are able to track the spread of variants, monitor the changes based on genetic codes. Collectively, the information is used to gain insight on how variants impact public health.
