Omicron variant found to infect faster

KATHMANDU: Research has shown that infection of the Omicron variant of the Corona Virus spreads faster than the previous variant.

Speaking at the regular press meet held by the Ministry of Health and Population today, Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof Dr Janak Koirala, affiliated with Patan Institute of Health Sciences and Nepal Health Research Council, said that the Omicron variant (third wave) would infect more people than previously seen.

According to him, the Omicron variant transmits the infection at the rate of one person to 10 people.

“The rate of infection in first wave was one person to two people, the second wave from delta virus was one to four to five people,” he said.

It may be noted that the infection has been confirmed in 3,075 people today.

Dr Koirala however said that by washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and wearing a mask properly one could avoid the Omicron variant infection.

Furthermore, more and more people should be vaccinated to avoid variants like Omicron.

He also said that the omicron variant leads to infection of the upper respiratory tract as caused by a cold in humans.

The delta variant virus affects the lungs directly, “said Dr. Koirala.

The Omicron variant will not make the vaccinated person so difficult. Dr Koirala also said that studies have shown that people who are not vaccinated against the corona virus are 10 times more likely to be infected with the new variant of the virus.

Those who have not been vaccinated are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized and 20 times more likely to die.

He however said complete vaccination will avoid such a situation.