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Published on: Nov 28, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

A Variant Of Concern: Omicron

A variant of Concern: Omicron

The World Health Organization has designated the strain, now named Omicron, as a variant of concern and said multiple studies are underway to monitor its development.

The Unknowns - Scientists are warning that the variant could be more contagious, but they don't really know for sure. They also worry about its effects on vaccine efficacy and severity of disease - we'll just have to wait until there's more research!
Where it has been identified - The variant has so far been identified in South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, and Belgium. A specimen from the first known case of the variant in South Africa was collected November 9, the WHO said Friday.
The number of variant cases - Now, the number of variant cases seems to be increasing in nearly every province of the country, the WHO said. South Africa has currently fully vaccinated less than 36% of its adult population and its rate of new vaccinations had fallen in recent days, according to the country's health department.
Cases Identified - South African officials also initially said there was one confirmed case in a traveler from South Africa to Hong Kong. Friday, Hong Kong health authorities identified a second case of the variant among returning travelers on the same floor of a designated quarantine hotel. Health authorities ordered at least 12 people in nearby rooms to undergo mandatory Covid-19 testing and two weeks of quarantine in a government center. Also on Friday, the Belgian government said an individual who had recently traveled from Egypt and was unvaccinated, tested positive for the variant, marking the first case in Europe.
High number of Mutations: South African genomic scientists said earlier this week the variant has an unusually high number of mutations, with more than 30 in the key spike protein -- the structure the virus uses to get into the cells they attack.
The concern: Scientists are concerned those mutations could make the variant more transmissible and could result in immune evasion. Scientists are working to find out whether the variant could evade immunity, saying its mutations can help hint or predict whether it will be the case.
Vaccine Efficacy: The million-dollar question is, is there a tiny hit to vaccine efficacy, or is there a large hit? we'll get some preliminary data probably in the next few days.
How it compares with other variants - While mutations -- and new variants -- of the virus are expected as it continues to spread, experts say there's more reason for concern with Omicron. As per the scientists they have seen a lot of variants pop up over the last five, six months, and most of them have not amounted to much but this looks different. It's acting differently, it looks like it's much more contagious than even the Delta variant." WHO officials also said in their statement Friday preliminary evidence suggests Omicron also poses a higher risk of reinfection, compared to other variants of concern.

What vaccine makers are saying

In a Friday news release, Moderna said it was rapidly working to test the ability of its vaccine to neutralize the variant, and data is expected in the coming weeks.

The strain includes mutations "seen in the Delta variant that are believed to increase transmissibility and mutations seen in the Beta and Delta variants that are believed to promote immune escape," Moderna said. "The combination of mutations represents a significant potential risk to accelerate the waning of natural and vaccine-induced immunity."

The Solution: If its current vaccine and booster are insufficient against the variant, one possible solution is boosting people with a larger dose, which Moderna said it is testing. The company is also evaluating two multivalent booster candidates to see if they provide better protection against Omicron -- both of which include some of the viral mutations present in the variant. Moderna said it is also testing an Omicron-specific booster. AstraZeneca also said it was looking to understand the impact Omicron has on its vaccine, which is not currently authorized for use in the US. A Johnson & Johnson spokesperson told CNN in a statement the company was also testing the effectiveness of its vaccine against Omicron.

Why Travel Restrictions?

Travel restrictions will buy governments some time to investigate the variant, but it's inevitable the strain will eventually appear and spread.

Source : who,cnn

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Difference Between Sadness and Depression: Understanding Normal Emotions vs Mental Illness

Feeling low or unhappy is a part of being human. However, not all low moods are the same. Many people confuse sadness with depression, which can delay proper support and treatment. Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is crucial for mental health awareness, early intervention and reducing stigma.

In India, mental health conditions are often misunderstood, with emotional distress frequently dismissed as temporary sadness.

What Is Sadness?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.

It usually occurs due to:

loss or disappointment
relationship issues
failure or stress
temporary life challenges

Sadness serves a psychological purpose, allowing individuals to process emotions and adapt.

Key Characteristics of Sadness

Sadness is:

situational
temporary
emotionally painful but manageable
responsive to support and positive events

A person experiencing sadness can still function, enjoy moments and feel hopeful.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a medical condition classified as a mood disorder.

It affects:

emotions
thinking patterns
behaviour
physical health

According to WHO, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Core Symptoms of Depression

Depression involves a combination of symptoms such as:

persistent low mood
loss of interest or pleasure
fatigue
sleep disturbances
appetite changes
feelings of worthlessness
difficulty concentrating

These symptoms last at least two weeks or longer.

Duration: A Key Difference

One major difference lies in duration.

Sadness:

lasts hours or days
improves with time

Depression:

lasts weeks or months
persists despite positive events

Duration helps distinguish emotional response from illness.

Impact on Daily Functioning

Sadness:

allows continuation of work and relationships
may reduce motivation temporarily

Depression:

interferes with work, studies and relationships
reduces self-care and productivity

Functional impairment is a defining feature of depression.

Emotional Experience: Sadness vs Depression

Sadness:

allows emotional range
moments of joy still occur

Depression:

creates emotional numbness
joy and interest disappear

People with depression often describe feeling empty rather than sad.

Physical Symptoms in Depression

Depression is not only emotional.

Physical symptoms include:

chronic fatigue
body aches
headaches
digestive issues

ICMR mental health studies highlight the physical burden of depression.

Thought Patterns and Self-Perception

Sadness:

thoughts remain realistic
self-worth is preserved

Depression:

negative self-talk dominates
feelings of guilt and worthlessness increase

These cognitive changes deepen emotional suffering.

Risk Factors for Depression

Factors increasing depression risk include:

chronic stress
trauma
family history
medical illnesses
hormonal changes

NFHS-5 data indicates rising mental health concerns among young adults.

Can Sadness Turn Into Depression?

Yes, prolonged or unresolved sadness can progress into depression.

This is more likely when:

stressors are ongoing
support systems are weak
coping mechanisms are limited

Early emotional support can prevent progression.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if:

low mood lasts more than two weeks
daily functioning is affected
sleep and appetite are disturbed
thoughts of self-harm occur

Early care leads to better outcomes.

Treatment Differences

Sadness:

improves with rest, support and time

Depression:

requires psychotherapy
may need medication
benefits from structured care

WHO emphasises early treatment to reduce disability.

Role of Social Support

Support systems help both conditions but are essential for recovery.

Depression recovery improves with:

understanding family
supportive workplaces
accessible mental healthcare

Stigma reduction is key.

Mental Health Awareness in India

Mental health remains underdiagnosed in India.

NITI Aayog reports:

limited access to mental health services
low awareness
high stigma

Education helps bridge this gap.

Importance of Early Recognition

Recognising depression early:

prevents worsening
reduces suicide risk
improves quality of life

Delay increases suffering and complications.

Supporting Someone With Depression

Helpful actions include:

listening without judgement
encouraging professional help
avoiding minimising feelings

Compassion is more effective than advice.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between sadness and depression is essential for emotional wellbeing and mental health care. Sadness is a natural, temporary response to life events, while depression is a serious medical condition that affects thoughts, emotions and daily functioning. Recognising the signs early and seeking appropriate help can prevent long-term suffering and promote recovery. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Mental Health Research and Burden
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Mental Health Indicators
Lancet – Depression, Disability and Public Health
NITI Aayog – National Mental Health Policy and Awareness Reports
Statista – Global and Indian Mental Health Trends

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