Alpha variant of CoVirus-19 is the most deadly strain that has been reported in the United States. It has a mortality rate of 100% and causes severe symptoms such as high fever, excessive sweating, and seizures.
This strain has been found in every state except Washington D.C., Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming and Alaska but it is not yet clear whether there are any links to contact with this virus or if this virus can survive in cold weather conditions like Beta variant.
There have been no reported deaths caused by the Beta variant so far. To date, there have been no reports of this variant in any tropical areas.https://todayevery.com
Although this virus is considered to be a rare variant, several studies have been conducted that prove the existence of different variants of the CoVirus-19. Some of these studies were done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Louisiana Department of Health (LDOH), and Tulane University.
CoVirus-19 is an alpha-beta type virus which has a 2:1 ratio with Alpha type being predominantly β type and Beta type also known as Omicron being predominant α type.
Effects of Omicron :
1. Headache –
Headaches can last for several days after infection, which can be fatal if untreated. Headaches usually occur in the back of the head and neck area, but can also occur at other locations such as the temples or forehead area. Most headaches are accompanied by nausea and vomiting, but this is not always the case. Excessive sweating is a common symptom of headache patients with CoVirus-19 Omicron variant.
2. Nausea –
Nausea is a common symptom, which usually can be treated with anti-emetics like Phenergan or Haldol. In severe cases, patients may need hospitalization.
3. Malaise –
Malaise refers to feelings of discomfort and exhaustion due to infection. It is accompanied by muscle weakness, fever and diarrhea as well as muscle twitches that are painful and distressing. Malaise has no specific treatment or cure, but it can be treated with medications such as Valium that relieve the muscle spasms and pain caused by it.
4. Diarrhea –
The Omicron variant causes a condition known as enteritis which results in diarrhea which can last for several days after infection if left untreated. The diarrhea is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, muscle aches and fatigue.
The symptoms may be too severe for some patients to continue normal activities; diarrhea can be particularly serious for patients who are pregnant or have other health problems, such as a pre-existing gastrointestinal problem.
The symptoms of enteritis caused by Omicron variant can generally be treated with fluids and electrolytes, antiemetics like Phenergan or Haldol and medications that reduce the spread of bacteria in the intestines like Flagyl.
5. Muscle and joint pain –
This condition is characterized by muscle and joint pains which usually occur near the end of an infection. Common locations for muscle and joint pain include the neck, shoulder, chest, arms and legs. The pain can range in severity from a dull ache to a severe stabbing sensation. Muscle and joint pain are also accompanied by cramps.
6. Fevers –
Fever is characteristic of CoVirus-19 infection with the Omicron variant. The symptoms of fevers can range from high temperatures that cause sweating and chills to low-grade fever which causes occasional shivering and mild headaches without sweating or chills. This variation has a mortality rate of 100%.
There is no specific treatment for the CoVirus-19 Omicron variant, but patients can lessen the severity of symptoms by staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary exertion. Patients with severe forms of the virus may need to be hospitalized to ensure they are properly hydrated, which is vital to recovery.
Antibiotics also play an important role in combating CoVirus-19 infections; they reduce the risk of complications as a result of infection such as secondary infections that can sometimes occur at sites of viral entry (such as in one’s nose, mouth and skin). However, antibiotics are only effective if given within three days of a person becoming infected.
7. Dehydration –
Dehydration is caused by diarrhea and vomiting and it is an important complication of this virus, which can be fatal if left untreated. Dehydration causes severe thirst, which can lead to seizures or fainting. Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds fluid intake.
This can happen due to diarrhea, vomiting or high fever. If a person does not drink enough fluids to make up for the fluids lost through urination, sweating and respiration, dehydration will result and their body’s organs will stop functioning properly.
Symptoms include decrease in urine output, increased thirst, dry mouth, dizziness and blurred vision.