OMICRON AND DELTA: How are they Different
For the past few weeks our nation is witnessing a quick rise in the Omicron cases toll. The medical and health organizations all around the world are hammering over this variant’s potential and its drastic nature — despite the reality seems contradicting their statements.
Is the Omicron variant really a high-risk, that it is considered as a “variant of concern”, or just Exaggerated?
You may have heard that Omicron is not that fatal, as that of Delta — yet there are many lives conquered by this virulent species and also has impinged thousands of humans. Before we get to the core of this topic, we must first look into the basic anatomy and physiology of our human body, that are hindered by these pathogens.
When we inhale, the air initially passes through the nose and mouth. From here, the air passes through the windpipe, also known as “Trachea”, and separates its way into either lungs through the split, known as the “Bronchi”. From the Bronchus in each lung, air flows into multiple narrower air passages called “Bronchioles”. These Bronchioles gives raise to many balloon-like structures called “Alveoli”. This is where the oxygen molecules from the inspired air mixes into Blood cells; it is also where the carbon dioxide molecules in the blood mixes with the air gases. Following this the carbon dioxide molecules are flown back up to the oral and nasal cavity, and finally exhaled out. In whole, this entire process is how our “Respiration” works.
Normally when any virus or bacteria enters the respiratory system and tries to invade us, our body’s defense system reacts in neutralizing those foreign bodies, ultimately killing and disposing them. This immune response occurs immediately after the parasites’ entry and carried out mainly by immune cells, called the “White blood cells”.
Basically what happens is that: when a small number of parasitic organisms tries to intrude into our body, our immune cell armies will immediately be alerted. In reaction to this alert, our immune cells surrounds and battles the foreign organisms — in order to neutralize those harming organisms. After the victory in the battle, our body’s immune cell battalions will memorize those foreign bodies, their mode of entry and their methods of attack. By doing so, the immune system will form a defense strategy to protect our body against these pathogens.
If our immune regiment is stronger and massive than that of the trespassing microorganisms’; the ill effects of those pathogen’s will be minor or never felt at all. In case, if our immune system is weaker, less numbered or slower than that of the intruding pathogens; our immune cells takes time in overpowering and nullifying them. Or in worst scenarios, our immune system may loose its battle against them! In order to prevent such catastrophes, our immune system is exposed to lesser doses of microbes as drill trainings. Intended to stay ready for any such invasions. This is done in forms of “Vaccines” and “Booster doses of the Vaccines”. Our immune system might also be supported with external immune support in the form of “Medicines”, just like that of air support in battles.
So now that we know how the entire thing works, let’s come to the main part of this topic: How are the Delta and Omicron variants different…
At beginning stages, the Delta variant of COVID-19 displays symptoms such as Fever, Headache, Dry cough, Running nose, later with Loss of smell, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nausea, Sore throat, Sleeplessness, and Body pains. While the Omicron variant will be initially displaying symptoms of Headaches, Fever as well as Sore throat and Dry cough along with Body pains in a milder versions.
The University of Hong Kong has recently carried out a research on “Omicron and Delta variants’ influence on living lung tissue samples”, that is yet to be “peer-reviewed”. The research claims that the Delta variant virus grows and reproduces in the “Alveoli”, and attacks the organs’ function. Further resulting in “Pneumonia”, that means the Delta virus attacks the expansive structures of the Alveoli and causes accumulation of fluids. On the contrary, the Omicron variant grows and replicates in the Bronchus and not at the Alveolar sacs.
As the Omicron variant is multiplying at the airway paths and causing “Bronchitis”, it carries the advantage of spreading “quickly” through the air — from the affected individuals to the environment. This research also suggests that the Omicron variant multiplies and spreads “70 times quicker” than the Delta variant.
Further research is yet to be made on this COVID-19 variant.
There are rumors spread on the Omicron variant, which is, “this is a mild symptoms causing virus and is a non-lethal mutant, unlike its predecessors, the Delta or Alpha variants”. For which this study claims that the Omicron is “Significantly dangerous” as the Delta variant.
Take home note: irrespective to the variants’ replicating spots, this virus is “Dangerous and deadly”. So, it is still important to maintain Social distancing, Hand hygiene and avoid unwanted travels and gatherings.
I hope this makes sense. You can also share your thoughts in the comments session, below.
See you-all in my next blog. Until then…
Stay Safe and Healthy!!!
-Siva.
https://www.med.hku.hk/en/news/press/20211215-omicron-sars-cov-2-infection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84XMFVcLScw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwVP96bWA2M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRMMLFkrbS4
