If you are looking for the new covid variant symptoms, you have landed on the right page! The repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic are felt around the globe. Since WHO declared the pandemic to be over, the rising cases of the viral infection has been suggestive of something else.
It is in the nature of viruses to modify themselves. Something that humans should learn from these microorganisms, the latter use this technique to evade attacks.
These attacks are harmful for the virus as usually it is to protect the body- the invaded host. Thus, these modifications that these microorganisms bring in their structure, fools the immune system- allowing them to bypass the barrier.
In this article, we will focus on the different aspects of the new variant and the symptoms associated with it- it will also focus on the possible treatment and the future prospects of the treatment.
What Is The New Covid Variant?
Hospitalizations and clinic visits have increased in the past few months. The diagnosis has been the same across most cases- Covid. The new covid variant is called Eris (EG.5) and Omicron (BA.2.86). The new variants of the virus emerge from a “parent” Coronavirus.
This change in its infectivity is possible due to the changes it makes in its outer ‘shell.’ This shell has the target sites where medicines or antivirals (such as vaccines) sit and destabilize the virus.
The new covid variants that were found outside and within the US were mainly the Omicron and Eris. The Omicron variant was first detected outside the country and is also called “Pirola.”
The multiple mutations that the virus underwent makes it a threat which is how it was ‘under the radar.’
In addition, the Eris variant is predominantly present in the US. Contributing to the cases of hospitalizations or the rising number of infections, Eris is the main culprit. Both the variants are based on Omicron, as mentioned earlier.
What Are The Characteristics Of The New Covid Variants?
The variants that are resulting in constant hospitalizations or rising numbers of cases have been able to evade the protection provided by the vaccinations. Their characteristics are worth noting:
- Both the variants mentioned above so far, have the same ‘lineage’- both are mutated versions of Omicron which was wreaking havoc up until a few months ago.
- Neither of the two variants are severe as compared to the previous variants.
- The communicability of the variants were more than the previous variants.
- The rate of mortality is also low for both the variants- especially in comparison to the 2020 variant.
What Are The New Covid Variant Symptoms?
There are no new symptoms that were noted for these variants, however, the intensity of the symptoms are changing. Moreover, following are the symptoms that were observed:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
The more severe symptoms that were reported include:
- Persistent pressure or pain in the chest
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Inability to stay awake or wake up
- Blue-colored, pale or gray skin/lips/nail beds (this varies depending on the skin tone).
The common symptoms were:
- Muscle or body ache
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose or congestion
The duration of these symptoms remain the same- 2-14 days, from the time you are exposed to the virus.
How Long Does Covid Last?
The duration of Covid depends on the various factors that have been determining the infection period for the previous variants. Similarly, the new variants have been observed to range from 14 to upwards of a month.
As per experts Covid may last for up to two weeks. This was the same for the previous variants. The lingering symptoms may stay for more than two weeks, even for months. The exact reason for this effect is under investigation and scientists suspect alteration by the virus.
Moreover, with the flu season in its full swing, the variants are becoming stronger. Generally the Covid is expected to result in a fever, however, doctors opine that the symptoms can vary depending on an individual.
Are The New Covid Variants Dangerous?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Eris already surpassed Arcturus in the number of cases. This shows that the currently circulating variants have become more infectious, even if they do not have a high mortality rate.
In addition, the detection of the latest variant- the Pirola- showed that the infectivity rate of the virus has increased across the globe. This variant was seen to infect people out of the United States.
Additionally, scientists suspect that the two circulating variants may result in a COVID wave during the flu season which can be detrimental for people. The key differences between the Covid-19 variant and the new variants can help minimize the spread of the virus.
How can I identify the new Covid variant symptoms?
A study conducted three years ago cracked the code on how the Covid-19 symptoms present. The difference in knowing a Covid cough from a normal cough could help in seeking appropriate help. In addition, there is an order in which the infection sets in:
- There is fever first which can be accompanied with a cough,
- Sore throat, headache and pain
- Along with vomiting and nausea
- Lastly, a person may also experience diarrhea
If you experience these symptoms in the same order, you must get a Covid test done from your nearby clinic or a home test kit. This will help you in acting swiftly rather than delaying the correct treatment.
The “order” of the symptoms is important as there is a pattern through which diseases progress. The progression pattern helps doctors identify the illness such that a treatment plan can be devised.
Identifying this progression of the symptoms helps doctors stop the infection from spreading, ensuring that the tests are completed rapidly.
Conclusion
The new covid variants are dominating the flu season and may even exacerbate the symptoms that are experienced. The symptoms that are observed for these two new variants are seen to present themselves similarly to the earlier sub-variants of Omicron.
This difference between the previous variants and the currently circulating variants will facilitate getting rapid help.
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