Current COVID-19 Variants: Omicron, Delta, and the Emerging Hellhound Variant

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve with the emergence of new variants. As of the latest updates, the dominant variant is Omicron. This variant, named after a character in the movie The Hobbit, has become a major cause for concern due to its potential to evade immune responses. If you need more information on Omicron, feel free to ask for additional details.

Another mutated strain, Delta Plus, is also listed as a significant concern. Delta COVID variant is notorious for causing a range of symptoms, including loss of appetite, stomach aches, hearing loss, joint pains, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms underscore the severity of the Delta strain.

Currently, the dominant variant nationwide is known as BQ.1.1. Emerging variants, such as BF.7, are in circulation and pose ongoing concerns. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the virus has undergone several mutations, with each new variant creating challenges in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The Hellhound Variant: A New, Emerging Concern

Amidst these variants, a new strain has emerged, baptized as the Hellhound variant. This name, inspired by social media users, reflects the nickname due to experts' forecasts relating to this variant. The Hellhound variant is linked to the BQ.1 subvariant and is raising alarm due to its potential to spread more readily.

Dr. Cornelius Roemer, a researcher at the University of Basel, warned that the BQ.1.1.1, tied to the Omicron variant, could become the predominant strain by the end of November and the beginning of December. This prediction is based on data indicating a 10% increase in contagiousness, alongside the rise in respiratory infections and viruses during autumn.

Symptoms of the Hellhound Variant

As with other variants, the Hellhound COVID-variant and its subvariants present with a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

Sore throat Cough General malaise Aphonia (voice loss) Diarrhea Runny nose

Evolution of COVID-19 Variants

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), undergo changes over time. Most of these changes have minimal impact on the properties of the virus. In the first months of 2022, an Omicron subvariant called BA.2 began to spread even more rapidly than other Omicron subvariants, followed by BA.4 and BA.5. These were eventually surpassed by the BQ subvariants, which are currently a significant concern.

The Delta COVID variant has been particularly destructive, linked to the second wave of the pandemic in India. The Delta strain has a higher rate of transmission and a more severe illness, making it a particularly challenging variant to manage.

Understanding the evolution and characteristics of these variants is critical for ongoing virus surveillance, public health measures, and vaccine development. Stay informed and vigilant as the situation continues to evolve.