Omicron symptoms - what are they?! One of the symptoms is now largely associated with Omicron infections and could easily be mistaken for viral infections common in the winter season. So be careful!
Recently discovered version of Omikron fueling a new surge in COVID-19 cases across all countries. As of this writing, the version has already been detected in more than 90 countries around the world. It is extremely contagious. Even up to 10x more than previous versions.
And since it hasn't even been a month since World Health Organization (WHO) officials declared the variant of concern, scientists still have a lot to learn about Omicron. Previous reports, though limited, suggest that infections with the Omicron variant may be only slightly different from the cases that experts have identified as originating from the spread of the Delta variant as well as other earlier variants - Alpha and Beta - that were of concern in 2021 .
Worryingly, the genetic makeup of the named strain Omicron vastly different from other strains of COVID-19 detected by experts. The earliest tests and observations of the Omikron variant indicated that it may not cause symptoms as severe as those caused by infection with the Delta variant. Most patients affected by Omicron infection did not require ventilators or additional support during treatment. However, certain deaths are already attributed to this version.
The expert public still agrees that it is too early to predict whether most infections with the Omikron strain are really mild. One of the characteristic symptoms is said to be fatigue and not, as before, loss of smell and taste. It turned out that this is especially true for those vaccinated individuals who have a certain protection against "this" virus.
What are some known symptoms of the new version of Omikron COVID-19?
All health professionals agree – the potential list of symptoms for those affected by the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection remains largely the same. However, the Omikron variant of the strain may cause slightly different symptoms than those previously seen in the pandemic. This is also typical of other corona virus infections and is also observed with the flu virus; not all patients are the same in terms of overall health, immunity levels and ability to fight the virus.
Although the list of possible symptoms associated with Omicron infections is the same as that of COVOD-19, limited data suggest that some symptoms are very characteristic – notably fatigue, feeling too tired or exhausted, and pain in multiple muscle groups in the body – these are much more common than shortness of breath or loss of taste and smell associated with earlier strains of the coronavirus. So Delta.
But beware—most of the research currently being presented is limited and comes from so-called “anecdotes” of health workers in South Africa, explains Nicholas Kman, MD, an emergency medicine physician at Ohio University Wexner Medical Center.
“Medical reporters wrote that the South African patients were severely fatigued but did not lose their sense of taste or smell. So it seems that the symptoms of Omicron (Omicron) may be milder - problems such as a scratchy throat, tiredness or headache - compared to more severe symptoms such as fever and respiratory failure. But these symptoms also depend heavily on your vaccination status, age and history of natural infections with this virus.
When will we get a clearer picture of how dangerous the Omnicron version is?!
Research and data provided during the holiday season may provide a clearer picture of which symptoms of COVID-19 really occur most often during an Omikron infection. Dr. Murphy notes that the first studies of Omicron infections in South Africa were conducted on students or younger individuals who may be prone to "milder disease," he adds.
All experts interviewed agreed: symptoms in unvaccinated individuals may be more severe compared to someone who was fully vaccinated earlier this year or those who recently received a booster shot. The South African cases cited by experts include isolated cases of vaccinated locals, the New York Times reported.
It is very unlikely that doctors will be able to help you determine whether you are suffering from Omikron COVID-19 infection without specific laboratory tests, even if fatigue is your primary symptom. dr. Kman says that many respiratory viruses, including the common flu, work in a similar way, which is why testing is still so important at this stage of the global pandemic. Or the only one that can give a clear picture of whether you are infected with this particular version.
A clearer picture of what the course of the disease will be in the version will be known in early 2022. So in the first weeks after the new year.
What are the most common symptoms of COVID-19?
Fatigue may currently be closely associated with Omicron - Omikron infections, but it is still one of the most common symptoms for any COVID-19 infection. Where these symptoms are especially characteristic!
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue or muscle or body aches
- Headache
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Any of these symptoms – in any order – can occur within two to 14 days of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. They can all be equally severe or vary in severity depending on the symptom. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 (including infection caused by Omicron!) and severe symptoms or death remains comprehensive vaccination. Those vaccinated in early 2021 are now eligible to receive a booster dose, which early research suggests is a key defence. Additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine should provide enough antibodies to block the Omicron version, according to research data released by Pfizer and BioNTech, according to the Washington Post. And thereby preventing a serious course of the disease.
Adapted from:
welt.de
