All we need to know about Delmicron
With the latest coronavirus variant Omicron, wreaking a lot of havoc around the world, scientists now warn against the emergence of a new threat termed as 'Delmicron'. Reports suggest that the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the west has been caused by a mix of Delta and Omicron variants, hence the name 'Delmicron'.
However, it is yet to be seen whether the new wave of infections will be worse than the impact of Omicron or if it could pose more dangers to the most vulnerable. Let us find out.
Understanding Delmicron
Delmicron is not a new variant of Coronavirus like Alpha, Beta and others. It is a combination of the two existing strain Delta and Omicron. It is a double variant of Covid- 19 spreading rapidly in the West. The Delta variant dominated from mid-April to mid-June and was primarily responsible for the second corona wave and causes severe deaths across the world. The symptoms of delta strain are severe and risk of hospitalization is greater. Besides, Post infection lead to long term symptoms like muscle ache, hair fall and brain fog.
When we talk about Omicron, It is believed to cause milder symptoms and the risk of hospitalization is lower. Although it is quite faster transmissible, it does not lead to severe symptoms and latest research shows this variant does not affect lungs.
Experts believed this Omicron can surpass the immunity by natural infection and Vaccination.
What are the Symptoms of Delmicron?
As Delmicron is created with the merging of Delta and Omicron versions of coronavirus, It is considered to be highly transmissible and potent to cause severe symptoms. A lot of research is needed to gain detailed knowledge about this nature.
Delmicron infection tends to show more or less symptoms as its parent variants. The common signs include,
Sore throat,
A high temperature,
A persistent Cough,
Loss of taste and smell
Headache,
Runny nose,
Studies have shown that both the Delta and Omicron variants are easily transmissible. In fact, UK government scientists in a study said that Britons who fall ill with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus are less likely to become severely sick than those who contract Delta.
Delmicron in India
The cases of the Omicron variant are rising in the country. Till now more than 350 cases of this strain have been found in the country, which is believed to spike in the coming days due to Christmas and New Year gatherings. Delmicron cases have not yet been reported in India. Experts say that it is yet to see how the Omicron variant would behave in India where there is widespread exposure to the Delta variant. Some even believe that omicron may not affect India as Delta did. By that time all we can do is get vaccinated and take all precautionary measures like washing hands and wearing masks to stay safe and protected.
In a Times of India report, Dr Shashank Joshi said that it was yet to be seen how the Omicron variant would behave in India where there is widespread 'exposure' to the Delta variant.
Top virologist Dr Shahid Jameel also believes that Omicron variant of Covid-19 will not affect India as badly as Delta did.
Speaking to the media, Jameel, a visiting scientist at Ashoka University, said, "Both in terms of numbers of, you know, the vaccination percentage as well as exposure to the virus. India has had a very, very bad second wave. And because of that, the blessing in disguise is that many of us got exposed to the virus."
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