How to Protect yourself from Omicron Variant?

The number of cases of people infected with COVID-19 has been steadily decreasing and authorities have started opening up all activities as long as people continue to wear masks for protection. Most adults are fully vaccinated and thus protected to a large degree from the earlier variants of the virus. However, Sars CoV2 is still prevalent, especially due to the more recent strains like the Omicron variant. So it can easily become a serious threat to your health if you do not take measures to protect yourself.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over and while life seems to have returned to normalcy on the surface, the use of a mask and a sanitiser remains the new norm for now. And this is because experts are still unsure whether more strains like the Omicron could emerge in the near future. This variant quickly became worrisome as it was found to be resistant to the vaccines that are globally most-used. 

 

Omicron was listed as a "variant of concern" on November 26, 2021, by the World Health Organisation, which indicated that it had a higher contagion rate and was resistant to prevalent vaccines. While the Delta variant was labeled as a variant of concern after observing its effects for six months, Omicron was given the same label in just 2 days.

 

It is still unpredictable how many more mutations of the virus we will see and how potent they are likely to be. Hence, it is important that you are aware of the precautionary measures that can be taken in order to stay clear of the covid xe variant. 

 

Listed Below are Some of the Key Precautions you can Take to Avoid the Omicron Variant:

 

The precautions that were put in place at the beginning of this pandemic in March 2020 still hold true today. New strains of the pandemic have since emerged, more virulent than the original. Hence, everyone should be vigilant and take precautions on a daily basis.

 

Here are some safety measures to take:

 

1. Vaccinations are a Necessity -

The most effective way to prevent the virus is through vaccination. You need to get the two vaccine doses as soon as possible in order to be fully vaccinated and take the booster shots when it's time to do so to bolster your protection. While the vaccines already developed may not be effective against variants like Omicron, they lessen the severity of your infection if you happen to get one. If you haven't got vaccinated already, schedule an appointment at the earliest with your nearest vaccination centre.

 

2. Put on a Mask When you Go Out -

When you go out, make sure you wear at least one mask, and that it fully covers your mouth as well as nose. Don't risk your health by being carefree just because the reported number of Covid-19 infections is falling. The best defence against a virus is a mask.

 

3. Wash your Hands Regularly -

While at home, you should regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Keep a sanitiser with you whenever you leave the house, for times when soap and water may not be available. Make sure your hands are germ-free. Do not share cutlery or tumblers. Wear protective gloves and cover your back hand and fingers. Be careful to keep the sanitizer away from food surfaces.

 

4. Don’t Neglect Symptoms -

Contact your nearest diagnostic lab immediately if you exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell for more than 48 hours. You can arrange to have a lab technician collect your sample at home, if need be. Don't ignore symptoms and let them worsen. Speedy treatment and recovery are more effective with early detection.

 

5. Get Health Insurance that Covers Coronavirus -

Coronavirus Health Insurance provides coverage for medical expenses associated with the treatment of COVID-19. Generally, a Coronavirus health insurance policy covers the hospitalisation costs of the policyholder, regardless of the condition in which he is ill (unless he is suffering from a critical illness). Those seeking health insurance policies that cover all medical expenses incurred during the treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19) can consider standard health insurance policies.

 

About Corona Kavach Policy

Corona Kavach Policy is a standard coronavirus health insurance policy offered by Niva Bupa that covers home care treatment costs, hospitalisation expenses, cost of PPE kits, ambulance charges, medicines, masks, gloves, doctor fees, and ICU charges that would be incurred during treatment of COVID-19 infection. There is a limit of Rs 5 lakh for the sum insured, which starts from Rs 50,000. There are three policy tenures: 3.5 months, 6.5 months, and 9.5 months. The plan covers AYUSH treatment in India as well, so you can get your family covered.

 

Conclusion

Hence, to protect yourself and others against the Omicron variant, you must get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, getting a right coronavirus health insurance policy is equally important. Get yours today, if you haven’t already!