Omicron COVID Variant
New COVID Variant Omicron in San Antonio
A new COVID variant was discovered in South Africa by the NICD on November 25, 2021. The Omicron variant (variant b.1.1.529) was given its name by the World Health Organization and has led to a spike in global COVID cases.
According to the Africa Center for Disease Control, a large number of mutations have been detected in this new variant, which has been associated with transmissibility in past COVID-19 variants. This includes more than 30 mutations that were found in the region which encodes the spike proteins that are responsible for the entry of COVID-19 into the cell.
The Africa CDC and South African Health Minister have recommended implementing safety measures due to the increased risk of reinfection. At this time, President Joe Biden has placed temporary air travel ban restrictions on South Africa and seven other countries. Worldwide, some members of the European Union have buckled down on travel regulations because Omicron has been identified as a strain of concern for rapid transmission.
The best thing you can do to contribute to slowing the spread of the virus is to get tested and know how to protect yourself from the nu variant. Also, keep up with the latest CDC news to stay informed about developments in the worldwide pandemic. Safety and travel regulations are always changing as well, visit the CDC website for more information.
Omicron COVID variant in San Antonio
At this time we don’t have any confirmed cases in the United States but please stay tuned for the latest updates and remember to practice current safety habits. Refer to the following procedures for safe practices during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Wear a mask in public settings
- Social distance in crowds
- Wash your hands often
- Get vaccinated and/or get your booster shot
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you experience signs and symptoms or become exposed
- Know your antibody status
We recommend that our patients get tested before and after any social events to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As new variants emerge, we need to take safety precautions for our community. The new introduction of the South African variant can have a large impact on local public health. This strain has the potential to impact the lives of many, including immunocompromised individuals, those over the age of 65, and young people with underlying health conditions.
Get tested for COVID-19 and variant strains in San Antonio
We currently offer PCR tests to our patients to detect COVID-19 and other variant strains of the virus. Visit any of our five locations throughout the San Antonio area. We also offer telehealth appointments for our patients who cannot leave home for medical or safety reasons.
We offer COVID services at all five of our urgent care clinics. Visit the most convenient location for your needs:
- San Antonio: 281 N / Redland Road 19422 N US HWY 281 Ste 106, San Antonio, TX 78258
- Schertz: 6032 FM 3009, Ste 120, Schertz, TX 78154
- Potranco: 1604N/ Potranco, 318 W Loop 1604 N, San Antonio,TX 78245
- Pleasanton: 2109 W.Oaklawn Rd, Pleasanton, TX 78064
- Palo Alto Rd: 8526 IH 35 South, San Antonio, TX 78211
**This image is only for illustration purposes ONLY. This is NOT an actual image of the new COVID Omicron virus.**
Get treated for COVID-19
If you do test positive for COVID-19 or any of the variant strains, know that we offer monoclonal antibody therapy to treat the harsh symptoms that you may experience. Our treatment, called Regen-CoV, is proven to help patients battle against COVID symptoms and work towards recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
At this time, vaccines are the best line of defense against COVID-19, but at the moment manufacturers are still studying the new variant if it will be effective. Please know that the CDC reports that it takes two weeks for vaccines to reach peak efficacy after being administered.
Signs and symptoms are similar to the standard COVID-19 virus that include fatigue, loss of taste or smell, fever, dry cough, and more.
COVID-19 PCR testing is capable of detecting COVID-19 and its variant strains. Get a Standard COVID-19 PCR test at your local Quality Urgent Care.