What you need to know
The Omicron variant, first discovered in South Africa, gradually took a toll on people around the world. The heavily mutated variant was found to not only evade vaccine-induced immunity, but it also dodged immunity from a natural infection, leading to re-infection. In the initial few months after the variant was detected in different parts of the world, scientists and doctors identified key symptoms associated with the new variant and learnt how it differed from the classic COVID-19 symptoms. Furthermore, experts also discovered when the Omicron symptoms were likely to arise. Let us look into it in detail.
Do not ignore these cold-like mild symptoms
According to data from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America and South Africa, the 8 common symptoms of Omicron are as follows:
- Scratchy throat
- Lower back pain
- Runny nose/congestion
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Night sweats
- Body aches
Experts have compared these symptoms to the mild cold-like symptoms that we experience with a regular common cold or a flu.
However, Professor Tim Spector, Head of UK's ZOE symptoms study app, urges everyone with these symptoms to get themselves tested immediately.
See more: Coronavirus: 2 new BA.2 Omicron variant symptoms that have come to light
When are you likely to get them? Is the incubation period shorter for Omicron?
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests "The incubation period of COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days."
However, with the onset of Omicron, experts believe the incubation period may have shortened for various reasons.
Available data suggests symptoms of Omicron may appear as early as two days after being in close contact with someone who has Omicron.
Also read: Explained: Why more people suffer from cardiac arrest during winter months
Ryan Roach, CEO of South African health insurer Discovery Health, has said anecdotal evidence suggests Omicron symptoms seem to come on within three days.
However, experts recommend self-isolating for at least 10 days as symptoms could take longer to appear, even up to 14 days after exposure.
Long COVID could be a possibility with mild Omicron infection
Long COVID is a condition that occurs in people who continue to experience COVID symptoms even after they have recovered from the illness. Such patients are also called 'long haulers'. Earlier, it was believed that post-acute COVID-19 occured in patients who developed severe SARs-COV-2 infection. This either led to organ damage or people continued to experience lingering symptoms without any detectable damage to other parts of the body.
Although Omicron is less dangerous than its previous variants, experts believe long COVID is still a possibility with mild infections.
Previously, Maria Van Kerkhove, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and COVID-19 Technical Lead at World Health Organisation (WHO) official, said she hasn’t seen any research indicating that the portion of COVID-19 survivors who get long COVID will change with the omicron variant.
Dr. Linda Geng of Stanford University, who co-directs one of the many clinics specializing in long COVID, told AP that though she can’t say for sure, a new wave of patients is likely.
What to do if you develop COVID symptoms?
People who develop COVID symptoms or come in contact with confirmed COVID patients must self-isolate themselves for 5-10 days, depending on the isolation norms in your country. For those in India, 7 days is the maximum isolation period. In the US and the UK, the period has been cut short to 5 days.
Continue wearing your masks, maintain social distance and follow proper hand hygiene. In case you have symptoms, do not socialize with people around you. Avoid stepping out of your room and do not go near the most vulnerable.