Just when we thought the Covid-19 pandemic was declining, a new variant of the virus emerged that has once again given rise to rapidly spreading new infections around the world. The new Omicron variant is a mutated version of the Delta strain and is not only a bit different to the original Delta strain but also shows differing symptoms in infected patients. Let us look at how one the Omicron variant is different to the Delta variant.
Difference between Omicron and Delta variant
- The main difference between the two Covid-19 virus strains is that the Omicron variant is more heavily mutated as compared to the Delta strain.
- The spike protein on the Omicron variant has over 30 mutations as compared to 18 mutations on the Delta variant.
- These mutations will most likely make the Omicron variant more immune to antibodies developed by the body due to current vaccines. This can, in turn, lead to higher infections.
Transmissibility
The WHO has designated Omicron as a ’variant of concern’ due to its purported high transmissibility. Although sufficient data is not yet present to justify this claim, virologists have warned that the new Omicron variant could be more transmissible.
Is it possible to Differentiate Between Omicron and Delta?
Whether a person is infected with the new Omicron Covid-19 virus or the already circulating Delta strain can only be detected using genome sequencing of the virus, which is a way to carefully observe the genetic material of the virus. An RT-PCR test is not capable of finding out what variant of Covid-19 is present in the body. Currently, only the government is allowed to authorise genome sequencing of the virus in order to detect the Omicron variant. Private testing labs are not allowed to detect Omicron.
Difference in Symptoms
Doctors around the world are noticing that the symptoms associated with the Omicron variant differ slightly from those of the Delta Variant.
- Persons infected with the Delta variant showed symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and other cold-like symptoms.
- Symptoms of the new Omicron strain, as of now, appear to be milder, with patients complaining of lethargy, body aches, headache, a scratchy rather than a sore throat, and no fever or cough.
Omicron Symptoms May Be:
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Body ache
- Mild throat soreness
- General weakness
Although fever and cough are not usually seen with Omicron, a mild form of both may be present.
Delta Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Body ache
- Sore Throat
- Trouble breathing (In severe cases)
Is the Omicron Variant Milder Than the Delta Variant?
There is no reason to believe that the Omicron strain is milder than the Delta strain of Covid-19 because there is insufficient evidence or data to substantiate this claim. Yes, there appear to be lesser hospitalizations as well as milder symptoms in patients infected with the Omicron variant, but this observation alone cannot be considered as proof of the strain’s virulence. The milder symptoms could very well be due to vaccines, and since there are more vaccinated individuals in the world than ever before, the symptoms appear to be mild. Hospitals have also notified that the maximum hospitalised Omicron cases are for unvaccinated individuals.
Final Word
If you’re infected with Covid-19, do not worry much about trying to find out what variant you have. Rather talk to your physician, get symptomatic treatment, isolate yourself and wait for it to pass. If your symptoms worsen, approach a Covid-19 hospital for further treatment. It is too soon to say conclusively how different the Omicron variant is from the Delta variant, but the fact that there is very high transmissibility is a cause for concern. The booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is of paramount importance. So, if you’re eligible, get yours as soon as possible to circumvent the effects of the Omicron variant.