Omicron sub-variant discussed by infectious disease expert
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
A new version of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, known as BA.2, has emerged and although experts are unsure about its effects, they know that it is spreading quickly. What are the early symptoms to spot?
According to a new report from officers at World Health Organisation (WHO), this new version of the Omicron variant, officially known as BA.2, differs from earlier mutations due to its cellular spike protein structure.
Having first been identified in December 2021, this variant has propelled infections and breakthrough cases in all corners of the world.
The sub-variant has quickly earned a moniker, the “stealth” Omicron variant as officials begin to learn more about its unique characteristics.
Stealth Omicron symptoms have been described as almost identical to those of the original Omicron variant.
Those symptoms include:
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Sore head
- Muscular fatigue
- Elevated heart rate.
Researchers are currently investigating whether there is a common thread between “stealth” Omicron infections which differ from Omicron infections now, Delta-linked infections or those earliest cases of COVID-19 in 2020.
Currently, health experts have confirmed that Omicron infections specifically have led to a new common trend.
It’s been noted that upper respiratory symptoms issues such as sore throats and nausea are more evident in these new variants compared to previous symptoms such as shortness of breath or a loss of taste and smell.
Where does it come from?
Scientists were first aware of the new variant of Omicron in India and South Africa in late December 2021.
Since then, it has spread to several countries, including here in the UK, the United States and Israel.
New reports reveals the virus has also spread rapidly in Denmark, increasing from 20 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the country in week 52 of 2021 to 45 percent in the second week of 2022.
“Omicron has three main namely BA.1, BA.2, and BA.3 according to the World Health Organization (WHO),” said Doctor Donald Vinh, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University, Canada, told MNT.
He added: “Up until now, the overwhelmingly large majority of all Omicron cases has been BA.1. However, in some places, the BA.2 has emerged and has spread faster than BA.1.”
Dr Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told MNT: “This sister variant, which is still Omicron, is interesting because it seems to be displacing Omicron in certain parts of the world.
“There is speculation that it may be more transmissible than its sibling.”
Source: Read Full Article