COVID-19 Symptoms: Doomsday COVID Variant

• The Doomsday COVID-19 variant is a mutation of the Delta variant
• This variant is also known as Delta Plus. 
• The symptoms of the COVID-19 Doomsday variant are similar to those of other coronavirus strains. The mutation, however, impacts how our immune system responds to the virus
• There’s currently little circulation of the Doomsday variant, so it’s now listed as a de-escalated virus

The Doomsday COVID-19 variant is a mutation of the Delta variant, which caused global concern as this new virus may interact differently with our immune system. In this article, we’ll discuss what it’s about the Doomsday variant that could cause a severe impact on national health, as well as the possible symptoms you may experience if you get infected and the available treatment options. 

The Doomsday COVID-19 variant is a term the media gives to a mutated version of the Delta variant. A single change in a virus's genetic code characterizes the virus's mutation. It's common for this to happen to a virus and can lead to different variants in circulation, as has occurred with the coronavirus. 1

With the COVID-19 doomsday variant, the mutation has been specified as K417N. This specific mutation caused concern, as studies suggested that it could cause a difference in the possible response from the human immune system and the effectiveness of the vaccines. This mutated virus, which is often referred to as a doomsday COVID-19 variant which is worse than Delta, is also known as Delta plus and is scientifically listed as B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1. 2 3

The Doomsday variant was first identified in India in March 2021 and quickly became the dominant variant in several countries worldwide. At that point in time, health organizations considered the Delta variant to be a variant of concern. A variant is deemed to be of concern if there’s evidence of:

• An increase in transmissibility
• More severe symptoms 
• Resistance to vaccines or a possible evasion of the human immune system
• Difficulty in detecting the strain

After being a variant under monitoring for some time in 2022, the Doomsday variant is now listed as a de-escalated one, as the Omicron variant is currently the dominant strain of the virus, leaving little circulation of Delta and its sublineages. 4 5

The symptoms of the Doomsday variant of COVID-19 are quite similar to those of other variants, especially the Delta variant. You can expect symptoms such as: 6

1. A runny or stuffy nose 
2. High temperature
3. Shortness of breath
4. Muscle and body aches 
5. Fatigue without a clear reason
6. Headaches
7. Sore throat
8. Diarrhea
9. Nausea or vomiting 
10. A new, continuous cough

These symptoms can vary from person to person and may be more or less severe depending on age, overall health, and vaccination status. 

The Doomsday variant is considered worse than delta and Lambda because of its mutation that can make it harder for the immune system to tackle the virus. Overall, it’s important to know that vaccines are still effective against this variant, especially if your vaccination status is current. 

The doomsday variant of COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last several days up to several weeks. If your symptoms persist, you should contact your general physician, as you may have a condition called long COVID. 7

If you suspect you may have been infected with COVID-19, taking a PCR or an at-home antigen test is advised. These tests will let you know whether or not you've been infected with the coronavirus but will not specify which exact variant you've been infected with.

Health organizations keep track of the different variants in circulation by using a genome sequencing technique, which looks at the various building blocks the virus consists of.

The doomsday variant of COVID-19 can be treated the same way as an infection with the Delta variant would be treated. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you should be able to care for yourself at home. Some things that may help you to find relief are: 8

• Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and naproxen 
• Cough medicine or sitting upright if you’re experiencing a cough
• Drinking plenty of water
• Taking rest 

If your symptoms don't get better over time, then you should contact your general physician. 

The Doomsday variant of COVID-19 is a mutation of the Delta variant. It can cause the same symptoms as Delta, but the severity of the illness can be a bit higher, as the mutation makes it harder for your immune system to fight the virus. This variant no longer occurs frequently, as the Omicron variant is now the dominant circulating strain worldwide.

Q: Is Omicron the Doomsday variant? 

A: The Doomsday variant is a mutated coronavirus from the Delta strain. Omicron is a different strain that is currently the dominant strain worldwide. 

Q: What is the Doomsday COVID-19 variant worse than?
A: The Doomsday variant is worse than the Delta strain as its mutation makes it harder for the immune system to fight the virus. 

Q: Should we be worried about the coronavirus Doomsday variant?
A: The Doomsday variant of COVID-19 is currently not that frequent anymore since Omicron took over as the dominant strain of the coronavirus. You should still exercise caution and consider public health and safety measures, but the doomsday variant is currently considered a de-escalated variant.

Q: Is the Doomsday COVID-19 variant worse than Delta and Lambda?

A: The doomsday variant is worse than Delta and Lambda because its mutation makes it harder for the immune system to fight the virus, which can cause more severe symptoms.