The challenges of the new Omicron variant for public health: A review of the current literature

Authors

  • Lorena Vasquez Ortiz Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.39.03.519.515

Keywords:

SARS-Cov-2, variant, omicron, vaccines, spike protein

Abstract

Introduction: Since the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2), multiple variants within the molecular structure of the virus have been appearing, which may lead to higher infection rates, increased morbidity, and mortality, decreased effectiveness of vaccines and pharmacological management. The Omicron variant, classified as variant of concern (VOC) has so far shown higher transmissibility and a different response to vaccination and therapeutic regimens.

Objective: To describe the Omicron variant and its impact on transmissibility and mortality.

Methods: Literature review in PubMed and Scopus databases, including empirical studies in English and Spanish. From the bibliography obtained, 49 articles were used and analyzed in detail.

Results: The results obtained allow us to identify the different aspects of the Omicron variant, from its molecular structure, transmissibility to its current management and the effectiveness of vaccines against it.

Conclusions: Currently, the Omicron variant has constituted a challenge for the health system due to its high transmissibility. However, therapeutic efforts have shown an impact on the severity and course of the disease

Author Biography

Lorena Vasquez Ortiz, Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia

Médico general, Universidad de La Sabana. Investigadora asociada. lorenavaor@unisabana.edu.co. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1029-8560 
CVLAC:https://scienti.minciencias.gov.co/cvlac/visualizador/generarCurriculoCv.do?cod_rh=0002001430.

Published

2023-11-24

How to Cite

Vasquez Ortiz, L. (2023). The challenges of the new Omicron variant for public health: A review of the current literature. Salud Uninorte, 39(3), 1078–1095. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.39.03.519.515