Omicron: The new health threat

The deadly Covid-19 pandemic hit us in 2020 and since then it has disturbed the usual way the world used to function. From healthcare to economy, every sector and every person in the world has been directly or indirectly been affected by this virus. The pandemic is still going on and the coronavirus has been mutating and coming up with a new version of itself, almost every few months.

After the surge of the Delta variant which almost stopped the world during the second wave of Covid-19, the new variant ‘Omicron’, recently, has been declared as the latest ‘variant of concern’ (VOC) by World Health Organization (WHO).

As per WHO’s official statement, “Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology, the TAG-VE has advised WHO that this variant should be designated as a VOC, and the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a VOC, named Omicron.”

What is Omicron Variant?

Earlier, when the coronavirus strain B.1.1.529 Omicron variant was discovered, scientists had said that it has 30 plus different mutations in the Covid-19 spike protein which makes the process of its transmission easier. Due to these multiple mutations on the spike protein, the virus’s entry into the body is easier and it makes the strain more dangerous. Recently, COVID-19 variant BF.7, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5, has caused huge surge in China.

What is BF.7 strain?
It is the mutant of Omicron and, amongst all Covid-19 variants, it has one of the highest transmissibility. According to studies, the R0 value of this mutant is approximately 10-18.6. This means that any infected individual can infect 10-18.6 people around them. People who have not taken the Covid-19 vaccination or have a weaker immune system like elderly citizens and children are at high risk of catching this infection.

The Symptoms of Omicron

A few severe symptoms include

Difficulty in breathing
Loss of speech
Loss of mobility
Chest pain

A few common symptoms include

Tiredness
Sore throat
Headache
Aches and pains
Diarrhea
Red eyes
Rashes
Discolouration of fingers and toes

Symptoms of COVID-19 variant BF.7 is more or less similar to previous variants of Covid-19 such as respiratory tract infection, fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, etc. Among elderly individuals or people with pre-existing ailments, pneumonia is another symptom that is seen.

What are the Precautions for Omicron Virus?

Even though the safety measures are more or less the same for this new Covid-19 variant, it is important to keep these following points in mind –

Vaccination

Get vaccinated if you haven’t. It is important that you get the vaccine. Vaccines provide a high degree of protection against severe disease. While vaccine efficacy against this new variant is under study, it is important that people who are eligible should take the vaccine.

Physical Distancing

Try to maintain physical distancing of at least 1 metre. Even though people have started venturing out again, it is important to maintain Covid-19 protocols since the pandemic is far from over.

Avoid Unnecessary Crowding

Limit your travel plans as much as you can and also try to avoid crowded events and places. Last year has proved that people can connect virtually as well. So, wherever possible try to connect with people virtually.

Get enough sleep

Wear a mask when stepping out and in public places is a must. Masks are an extremely important safety step against Covid-19 variants. Also follow personal hygiene like sanitizing and washing your hands properly.

Go To A Doctor

If you feel any signs of illness (fever, weakness, sore throat), do not ignore it and consult your doctor immediately.

Buy A Health Insurance

Health insurance is the most useful thing during medical emergencies. If you haven’t bought one yet, this is the right time. You can check out HDFC ERGO’s Health Insurance policies which include nearly 13,000 network hospitals, covers cost of hospitalizations, AYUSH benefits, and other benefits which you can check out here.

How to file COVID-19 health insurance claim?

There are two ways to file a claim: Cashless claims and Reimbursement claims.Cashless Claim Process
Cashless Claim Process
Cashless treatment is only available at the network hospitals that are listed by the insurance company. The insurance company needs to be informed within 24 hours of hospitalization, if it is unplanned. In case of planned hospitalistion, inform your health insurance company in advance.

Following are the steps to be followed in case of cashless claims:

Produce your health card at the network hospital
The hospital will verify your personal details
The duly-filled pre-authorization form needs to be signed and submitted to the TPA of the insurance company
Once pre-authorization request is confirmed, the approval letter will be sent over mail to the network hospital
The cashless COVID-19 treatment request will be then processes and the bill will be settled by your insurer will settle the medical bill directly with the network hospital

Reimbursement Claim Process
If you are getting treated at a non-network hospital, you need to inform your insurer within 48 hours of hospitalisation. The steps are as follows:

After the treatment, keep all your COVID-19 treatment hospital bills, invoices etc handy.
Submit the duly filled reimbursement claim from along with original copy of the medical documents to the insurance company
After verification is done, and approval is granted, the proposer or insured person will receive the claim amount in a few days of receipt of all the necessary documents

Documents Required for Coronavirus Health Insurance Claims
Here are a list of documents required:

Identity proof and Passport copy
Coronavirus medical reports, COVID-19 consultation, medicine prescription letters, Chemist cash memos
Hospital records with medical history
Medical test documents
Original receipts, bills, and diagnostic reports from attending medical consultants, anesthetists, and, specialists
Discharge summary

It depends on the requirements of the insurance company.

Documents needed to claim for COVID-19 Treatment at Home

Copy of Identity Proof/Passport
A doctor’s prescription suggesting COVID-19 treatment at home
Documents of COVID treatment and daily monitoring report signed by the doctor

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Frequently Asked Questions on Omicron

1. Why is Omicron called a variant of concern (VoC)?

Omicron is a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 which was recently reported from South Africa on 24th November 2021. It is also known called as B.1.1.529. It has a very large number of mutations, almost more than 30 on the viral spike protein, which is the key target of the immune response. Due to the collection of mutations in Omicron and the sudden rise in number of positive cases in South Africa, World Health Organization has declared Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VoC).

2. How can Omicron be detected?

Same as Covid-19 RT-PCR method.

3. Can we expect a third wave?

Omicron cases are being reported from countries outside of South Africa and it has spread to India as well. However, the scale and magnitude of rise in cases and the severity of disease is still not clear.

4. Do the existing vaccines work against Omicron?

While, there is no evidence to suggest that existing vaccines do not work on Omicron. However, vaccines are expected to still offer protection against severe disease and, being vaccinated is crucial.