New emerging variants can be concerning
The new COVID-19 variant has begun to wreak havoc around the world. Following a sudden spike in the number of Omicron cases, several countries have updated their COVID guidelines, have imposed lockdowns and are urging everyone to follow preventive measures.
Given that India has previously battled and survived the implications of a deadly variant, experts are now concerned about the new COVID variant that is said to be highly transmissible. The Delta and Omicron have both been declared 'variants of concern' by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, it's yet to be seen whether one is more severe and dangerous than the other.
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The second wave of coronavirus was devastating, could Omicron cause another wave?
India witnessed a tragic loss of life during the second wave of COVID-19. Many lost their lives, while others continue to bear the ill-effects of the infection.
The Delta variant, which is said to have driven the second wave, is still a predominant strain and continues to infect many. It was first discovered in India and currently exists in many of the countries. In light of the new COVID variant, Omicron, experts have seen a sudden rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, which could indicate the possibility of a third wave.
As per recent findings, a third COVID wave could be expected early next year between January and February 2022. However, experts believe the implications will be mild.
How do the two variants compare?
While there is no telling how severe the new B.1.1.529 variant is, scientists and doctors suggest it could be highly transmissible. Keeping in view the sudden rise in the number of COVID cases in such a short span of time, the variant is believed to be very transmissible.
The outcome of the genome sequencing reveals that the Omicron variant is more heavily mutated as compared to the Delta variant. It is said to have over 30 mutations in the spike protein itself as compared to the 18 found in the Delta. This is believed to make the new COVID variant immune to the vaccine-induced antibodies, leading to more breakthrough infections.
Read also: Omicron variant of Coronavirus: “It’s time we get the kids vaccinated against COVID”
Omicron symptoms 'mild' so far
As far as symptoms are concerned, initial reports revealed by Dr Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association, who also happens to be the first person to have discovered the Omicron variant, suggested that the symptoms of Omicron were 'unusual' but 'mild.
According to the doctor, individuals infected with the Omicron are only reporting mild symptoms like fatigue, body ache and "scratchy" throat rather than sore throat. There have been no cases of a stuffy, clogged nose, and those affected by the new strain have not complained of high temperature. Most of the time, the symptoms get better on their own, she says.
While the Delta variant can also trigger mild symptoms, with fever, fatigue and cough being some of the most common signs, there was a large population who came down with extremely severe symptoms, some needing hospitalization, ICU care.
However, up until now, there have been no severe cases of Omicron so far.
Coronavirus vaccination and the variants
COVID-19 vaccines have been successful in lessening the severity of the illness. While people who have received both their shots continue to be susceptible to the virus, the implications are said to be milder, with extremely rare cases of hospitalization and death.
Although it is too early to speculate anything, with its 30+ mutations in the spike protein, experts suggest that the Omicron has the ability to escape immunity, both from vaccines and a natural infection.
Vaccine manufacturing companies have come to the forefront, claiming to develop an updated version of the existing versions. Experts believe that the future course of action will involve 'tweaking' the available COVID-19 vaccines.