What makes the Omicron variant different from the original strain of COVID-19? | UCHealth

Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth, gives us insight into how the variants differ from the original strain of COVID-19 and what you can expect if you get them. She says the ancestral strain of COVID-19 was considered a “marathoner”, which means it took much longer for the viral load to build up and have an effect. For example, you could be exposed but not see any symptoms until 10 days later. Variants of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, seem to be “sprinters”, which means the viral load is delivered much faster, but also goes away quicker.

UCHEALTH ACROSS THE WEB:

[markcavandish]

This is great information. I got Covid a month ago… didn’t even know I had it until I couldn’t smell/taste. Two days later and a long bike ride and I was back to work.

[gregorybordelon]

it infects the upper bronchial tubes... instead of the little sacks where the oxygen transfer happens... far less deadly, thank you for the explanation, simple and easy... that's the biggest change to note, much less deadly infection site, and much more survivable... That's why no one is on the Vents... it's not infecting a area in the lungs that effects the oxygen transfer. Correct, and thank you.