Omicron Shares Genetic Code with Common Cold
Researchers from Nference, a Cambridge, Massachusetts based firm that analyzes biomedical information, discovered in a preliminary study that the Omicron COVID-19 variant may have picked up genetic material from a virus that causes the common cold. This data would suggest that this variant is more transmissible but less virulent than other variants. This study has not yet been peer-reviewed.
Venky Soundararajan from Nference stated the Omicron variant could be masking itself to be more human-like and in turn this helps the virus invade the immune system. Scientists still don’t know whether this variant will cause more severe disease or if it will take over the Delta variant in prevalence.
Because it is possible for cells in the lungs and gastrointestinal system to harbor SARS-CoV-2 and the common cold, researchers are hypothesizing viral recombination — something that occurs when two different viruses inhabit the same host cell, causing them to interact and create new copies of the virus which have genetic information from both. Thus, this new variant could have occurred in someone who had both the common cold and COVID-19 simultaneously.
“It appears that with the cases that are seen, we’re not seeing a very severe profile of disease,’’ said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, stated in regard to the Omicron variant. “In fact, it might be — and I underscore might — be less severe, as shown by the ratio of hospitalizations per number of new cases.’’
As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that there is not enough evidence to suggest that there are any different symptoms between the Omicron variant and other COVID-19 variants; symptoms may vary from person to person. The current symptoms listed for a COVID-19 infection are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms which should be alarming and suggest a need for medical attention include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale , gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
These symptoms do not cover all symptoms of COVID infection, just the most commonly seen ones. Please alert your medical care provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
References:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/04/omicron-coronavirus-transmissible-cold-variant/
About Us
Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.
Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354
Phone: (718) 888–1808
Terms of Use and Disclaimer — The information contained in this document has been culled from online resources and government agencies and is for general informational purposes only. The information is provided in good faith to support the community and our friends impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Your use of this document and your reliance on the information contained herein is solely at your own risk. All liability with respect to any reader, user or browser’s reliance on this document and/or actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is hereby expressly disclaimed.
