‘Trust Covid-apt behaviour more than social media posts on Omicron’

Nagpur: ‘The virus is back, this time with more energy, tactics and camouflage. We don't cough, no fever...It takes less time to get to the extreme’. Such social media posts are doing the rounds but doctors say there is little truth in such claims.
City doctors say global researchers are yet to come to any specific conclusion regarding the new variant of concern - Omicron. They said people must prefer World Health Organisation (WHO), European Union, government of India and health ministry websites of respective countries to get reliable information rather than believing WhatsApp posts.
The WHO’s update as on November 28 too dispels many of the doubts and fears following discovery of the new variant. As per the WHO bulletin, studies are underway to ascertain the impact of the new variant. WHO too suggests that prevention – mask, distancing and sanitizer — are the best protection.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Ashwini Tayde said so far official reports say not many major complications or hospitalisations took place due to this strain in Africa. “Numbers definitely have increased but can not be 100% attributed to the new strain. There are multiple other factors contributing. Yet, infectivity is definitely higher. It’s been reported by South Africa but seen in other countries also so origin country and further details are yet to come out,” she said.
Pulmonologist Dr Ravindra Sarnaik said citizens need to look out for joint official statements to get accurate information on new corona variants. “ As per South Africa’s official report, every thing is in evolution. Unless they have adequate number of cases, nothing can be said with surety. There has to be official publication of whatever data they are analyzing. Some people are also trying to cook up stories regarding the new variant. How can I comment when I have not seen patients affected by the new strain? It is also not seen in entire South Africa,” he said.
Dr Sarnaik also pointed out that an important lesson the pandemic has taught is that spurt can take place anywhere and anytime across the globe. “Omicron has been detected there but it can’t blamed on South African as country of origin. We shouldn’t create a scare but remain alert,” he said.
Internal medicine specialist Dr Mohan Nerker said till the variant is reported in India, how it manifest, what impact it has on vaccinated population, it is wrong to speculate. “People must take vaccines on time, follow Covid-apt behaviour of using masks, sanitizers. This will protect us from not just any variant but also from other infections,” he said, advising that people must prefer official verified information for self-education.