Omicron Threat or Boon to Global Health Systemic Review

Abstract

With a rising number of coronavirus Omicron cases reported across the whole world, starting a third wave of the pandemic in India, the chances are high that it will soon replace Delta as dominant global variant. The trend was already visible in the U.S. where Omicron has taken over Delta as the dominant strain. Omicron is nearly four to five times more infectious than Delta. That is because of mutations in the spike protein which make it easier for the cells to be attacked. Omicron is spreading with faster pace with very little consequences, except for the elderly population and those with comorbidities. Omicron will take a big toll on the vulnerable population with comorbid diseases. Meanwhile, it is a burden as it is causing devastating infections across the world, the World Health Organization has warned that Omicron should not be dismissed as “mild” variant. Increased transmission may lead to more hospitalizations which can lead to increase strain on frontline workers and health care systems and can result in more deaths. While people who recover from coronavirus disease 2019 may develop some natural immunity to the virus, how well the individual is protected from future genetic mutation of coronavirus is still a big question. The definitive evidence for increased remission and immune evasion and vaccine effectiveness is still awaited. This article will highlight few aspect of Omicron including increased transmission, immune evasion, hospitalization, mortality, vaccine effectiveness, and therapeutic drugs effective against the disease.