Scientists have shed light on why the Omicron strain of the coronavirus caused such havoc, sweeping through populations after first appearing in autumn 2021.
The Omicron wave was made worse because most people did not know they had caught the highly contagious but less debilitating bug, a study published on Wednesday found.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, in Los Angeles, found that 56 per cent of people were unaware they were infected with virus that causes Covid-19, the study published in JAMA Network Open noted.
Compared to other Covid-19 variants, Omicron generally had less severe symptoms, such as fatigue, cough, headache, sore throat and a runny nose.
“More than one in every two people who were infected with Omicron didn’t know they had it,” said Dr Susan Cheng, from Cedars-Sinai and corresponding author of the study.
The UK this week authorised a Moderna vaccine that tackles both Omicron and the original versions of the disease.
The European Medicines Agency has started a review of a Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine also adapted to target two strains of the virus.
As part of newly published research into the effect of vaccines, the study began testing the blood of health workers in 2020. By the time the Omicron wave hit, they were also testing Covid-19 patients.
“Our study findings add to evidence that undiagnosed infections can increase transmission of the virus,” said Sandy Joung, first author of the study. "A low level of infection awareness has likely contributed to the fast spread of Omicron."
Of the 56 per cent unaware of their contagion, only 10 per cent reported any symptoms.
Previous research has estimated between 25 per cent and 80 per cent of people infected with Covid-19 may experience no symptoms.
“Awareness will be key for allowing us to move beyond this pandemic,” Dr Cheng said.
“We hope people will read these findings and think, 'I was just at a gathering where someone tested positive' or, 'I just started to feel a little under the weather. Maybe I should get a quick test.'”
“The better we understand our own risks, the better we will be at protecting the health of the public as well as ourselves.”
Dr Cheng and colleagues are also studying patterns and predictors of Covid-19 reinfection.
Pakistan World Cup squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain
Two additions for England ODIs: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
Results:
Men's 100m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 15 sec; 2. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 15.40; 3. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 15.75. Men's 400m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 50.56; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 50.94; 3. Henry Manni (FIN) 52.24.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
