Coronavirus Symptoms: AIIMS doctor explains why breathing difficulty may not be linked with COVID-19 Omicron variant

Ever since the origin of coronavirus about two years ago, the viral disease has manifested some obvious symptoms. Even the variants of the virus that emerged from time to time led to more or less the same signs, breathlessness being one of them. But the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, which has led to a sharp spike in the positive cases across the globe in a few weeks might not lead to breathing difficulty, suggest an AIIMS doctor.

Read also: Coronavirus symptoms: Signs you most likely have Omicron and not regular cold

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COVID-19 is a disease of the upper respiratory system and multiplies in the lungs. The highly contagious virus enters the lungs while breathing and directly damages the lungs and alveoli (tiny air sacs). The virus ends up damaging the thin wall of the alveolus and capillaries. The damaged tissue, which is plasma protein, starts accumulating on the alveolus wall, thereby thickening the lining. As the passage narrows the transportation of the red blood cells to different parts of the body are restricted, which eventually leads to the breathing issue.

Read more: Coronavirus: One unusual sign of Omicron you should watch out for

In most cases of the COVID-19, the virus multiplies in the lungs, leading to breathing issues. But in the case of omicron it is possible that the virus is multiplying in the throat. AIIMS' Dr Punnet Musra, professor of community medicine, said that it is not uncommon for the variant of a particular virus to exhibit different symptoms from the original strain. The same is with the Omicron variant. This new strain of coronavirus does not cause breathing trouble like other variants, probably because it is not multiplying in the lungs. Due to this, the impact of omicron infection is minimal on the lungs. Also, from most of the places across the globe where the omicron variant is spreading it has been reported that the throat is getting affected, which proves that the variant is multiplying there.

Also See: Coronavirus symptoms: Signs you most likely have Omicron and not regular cold

Read also: Coronavirus: One tell-tale sign of Omicron variant less common with the Delta variant

The Omicron variant is new and researchers are still observing it closely to understand how this virus multiplies, what are the symptoms and how effective the current vaccines are. However, the initial study has made it clear that omicron leads to milder symptoms as compared to the Delta variant, which led to a second wave earlier this year. Dr Musra explained that since the omicron multiplies in the throat it won't cause severe pneumonia. The symptoms of the omicron are even milder than Delta, but it is 7 times transmissible than the previous variant. This means it is likely to affect more people but might not cause severe symptoms, hospitalization or deaths. A lot more research is needed on omicron to draw a clear conclusion.

Apart from sore throat, other symptoms of omicron include weakness and body aches. These three are considered as the initial symptoms of coronavirus. Unlike other variants, this new variant also does not cause breathlessness, high-grade fever or loss of smell or taste. Vaccine manufacturers are still trying to understand the nature of the strain to test their respective vaccines to determine their effectiveness.

With rising COVID1-9 cases across the globe and the holiday season just around the corner, it is essential to take measures to protect oneself from getting infected. Looking at the current situation it is best to avoid outdoor activities and follow all COVID norms like washing your hands, wearing a mask and maintaining proper hygiene. When you witness any symptoms related to coronavirus contact isolate immediately.