Population growth, increased urbanization, habitat loss, climate change, human-animal interactions, public health systems are stretched thin, and travel is increasing. These factors all contribute to the likelihood of a pandemic. A high-severity outbreak like omicron variant could result in a two- to four-fold decrease in the gross domestic product (GDP). On the other hand, a low-severity virus could affect economic growth by only a few percentage points.
A plague can also be caused by an epidemic, a disease outbreak, or a natural disaster. A single episode can have a global impact in many cases, making it challenging to predict and respond effectively. Nevertheless, the emergence of a new contagion can make a difference for millions of people.
The severity of such is determined by numerous cases and the spread of the disease. An epidemic can be a localized illness or an international one. Once it spreads far beyond its original geographic boundaries, it may result in social and economic consequences.
The term pandemic has been applied to various illnesses ranging from acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and cholera to environmental factors like pollution and overcrowding.
Historically, pandemics have led to social unrest and demographic shifts and morality shocks. The Ebola virus caused violence and political turmoil in Sierra Leone and threatened healthcare personnel and facilities. Fortunately, the virus is now under control, but it may be a decade or more before the next one. Despite the many challenges associated with containing a pandemic, the future of humanity may be at stake.
One of the latest and most modern rampant is the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, which is spreading quickly worldwide. The World Health Organization has declared it a ‘controllable pandemic’ and has advised individuals to remain at home and care for themselves until better. Regardless of the level of the plague, the impacts on the economy and social life are profound. There are no simple answers to how the COVID-19 virus will affect the worldwide U.S. economy.
Today, COVID-19 has 397 million cases and caused 5.75 million deaths worldwide. That is why numerous people still find it challenging not to worry because of this latest stat. However, fret not, for health experts did their all and were able to fulfil day 2 and 8 tests and even rapid antigen test for travel as a help to monitor citizen’s health, which helped because it is minimizing the continuous spread of the infection.
However, do not forget the reality that viruses can mutate and replicate themselves. Although it is minor and has a low chance of becoming severe, it would still be best to be cautious and double one’s safety to prevent getting infected by the virus.
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified B.1.1.529, also known under Omicron, as a Variant of concern. The WHO Technical Advisory Group on Virus Genetic Evolution provided the evidence supporting this decision. This group is an independent expert that monitors and assesses virus evolution and mutation. Omicron first became known in Botswana in South Africa. The virus has now spread to more than 110 countries.
Scientists found that Omicron contains a mix of more than 50 mutations. While scientists have not yet fully understood the nature and cause of this variant, they see an increasing number of cases. It increases the risk of increased transmissibility as well as evasion of immunity. As of December 21, 2020, there have been 12,947 confirmed Omicron-related cases in Europe. Meanwhile, 10,866 were reported from the United Kingdom.
So, what is the right thing to do to avoid oneself from getting infected by the new coronavirus variant?
See the infographic below created and designed by Harley Medic International as they highlight the factors of the virus:
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Read More: WHAT IS WORKPLACE COVID-19 TESTING?
