Omicron: The Pesky But Wild Virus

The Omicron virus is the most recent COVID-19 variant that has begun to permeate the world, and it is sickening people one by one. This variant of COVID-19 has been identified in more than 60 countries around the world. Omicron is more contagious than other COVID-19 variants because it contains many unusual mutations that allow it to spread more easily throughout the body's system. It contains a unique protein that will enable it to sap into a person's body effortlessly, even if that person has been vaccinated. 

However, in exchange for its powerful transmission, it was recently discovered that the symptoms of Omicron make it more of a pest than a threat compared to other COVID-19 variants such as Delta. People who have tested positive with Omicron are known to have symptoms that include physical and mental fatigue, headaches, body aches, scratchy or sore throats, and runny nose[1]. On the other hand, the symptoms of different COVID-19 variants have been high fevers, coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, loss of taste and smell, sore throats, congestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Compared to past COVID-19 variants, the symptoms of Omicron are much milder, which makes it less deadly than the original coronavirus strain[2]. In addition, it was recently discovered that the runny nose symptom in the Omicron variant doesn't make a person completely lose their sense of taste and smell, and the scratchy or sore throat symptoms were only reported by adults who were 18-65 years old[3]. Despite these facts that indicate Omicron is not as deadly as Delta or the first Coronavirus stains, it is still something that every citizen should be aware of and concerned about. Although the Omicron symptoms are not as fatal, its unbelievable transmission rate makes it a significant problem for society. If people keep spreading the Omicron virus, eventually, the hospitals will become too crowded, and they won't be able to treat all of the patients.

References:
[1] Stedman December 15, E. (2021, December 15). What are the symptoms of Omicron, and has anyone died from it? GoodtoKnow. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/health/symptoms-omicron-variant-anyone-died-639120
[2] CDC. (2021, February 22). Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
[3] Stedman December 15, E. (2021, December 15). What are the symptoms of Omicron and has anyone died from it? GoodtoKnow. Retrieved December 17, 2021, from https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/health/symptoms-omicron-variant-anyone-died-639120