For almost two years, the world has been facing crisis due to a unicellular entity. We, the common folks, are familiar with its name, COVID-19. Overtime, the virus has undergone several mutations. It has changed its characters and each new variant has manifested itself through some added symptoms. The latest variant of COVID-19 is omicron. Does it pose the similar kind of health risks to people? How much threat is it for the most vulnerable patients i.e. those with diabetes, cardio-vascular problems and cancer? We’ll examine it in this blog.

What is Omicron?

Omicron is the latest strain of COVID-19. According to WHO, this new variant must not be taken lightly. Researchers are now investigating omicron to understand different aspects of this new variant. Till date, little is known about this new strain and more researches are needed to get a good hang of it. However, WHO has warned in no uncertain terms that omicron is highly contagious and so likely to pose a significant threat to people, put heavier burden on healthcare system and affect overall daily life.

Is There Any Special Test for Omicron Strain?

No; the widely acknowledged PCR test is done to detect presence of omicron. More researches are required to understand the efficacy of Rapid Antigen Detection Test and other tests.

Is Omicron More Severe Than Other COVID-19 Variants for Cancer Patients?

According to the researchers at the cancer hospital in Kolkata, previous variants of COVID-19 may cause severity in cancer patients. The doctors claim that omicron is not as severe as the other variants but more contiguous. Many afflicted persons complain of high fever and mild to severe breathing problems. Cases of hospitalization due to low oxygen saturation are on rise. However, the reported death is fortunately low.

Why Are Cancer Patients More Vulnerable to COVID-19?

Cancer and its treatment weaken immune system in patients. In our body, immune system is the defence against virus, bacteria and other foreign invaders. As immune system is compromised, it makes cancer patients more vulnerable to COVID-19 attack and death.

According to what researchers have found, COVID-19 triggers oxidative stress and cellular senescence, both of which are linked to Corona-induced complications in cancer patients. Many studies claim that COVID-19 may cause a spike in cytokine secretion, which, in turn, triggers aggressiveness related to COVID-19.

More studies are needed to fully understand how omicron affects cancer patients.

What are the Common Symptoms of Omicron Variant?

According to WHO, omicron and other strains have more or less same symptoms. The patients affected with omicron virus may experience the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore Threat
• Shortness of Breath
• Body Aches
• Runny Nose
• Loss of Smell or Taste
• Skin Rashes
• Diarrhoea

What Protective Measures Should Cancer Patients Follow?

Everyone including cancer patients should take preventive measures against omicron attack. If you are a cancer patient, you should take the following protective measures:

• Maintain social distance
• Wear a mask (not one made of fabric) in public places
• Avoid crowded areas
• Wash your hands frequently
• Use sanitizers to desterilize your hands
• Use tissue while coughing or sneezing
• Take COVID-19 vaccines

Remember, both Covishield and Covaxin are effective against omicron variant. Also talk to your oncologist at the best cancer special hospital in Kolkata for further omicron-related information and prevention.