Multiple Omicron subvariants encountered
The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus was first detected in late 2021. Since then, it has transmitted across the globe and also branched off into a number of sub variants: BA.2, BA.5, B.Q.1, B.Q.1.1, BF.7, XBB and XBB.1.5.
On the bright side, experts have noted that Omicron and its sub variants have, for the most part, caused less fatal infections than previous variants. However, what about Omicron’s association with long COVID – a condition that continues to affect people’s health and day-to-day activities, sometimes even 2 years after the initial infection. Read on to learn more about Omicron's association with long COVID.
Omicron subvariant and long COVID
During the first Omicron wave, some experts noted that despite mild infection, the variant can still cause long COVID.
A June 2022 study from British researchers found that the Omicron variant appears less likely to cause long COVID symptoms than Delta. Although it is important to note that all of the 41,361 adult participants who reported their COVID symptoms on a phone app had been vaccinated.
Long COVID symptoms
Patients with long-term symptoms can experience crushing fatigue, irregular heart rhythms, shortness of breath and cognitive problems such as brain fog. Some people may experience a single symptom while others may experience a combination of many. The range of long COVID symptoms is vast and varies from person to person.
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Can vaccination reduce long COVID risk?
A UK study from late 2021 showed that vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of getting long COVID.
They found that those who received double COVID-19 vaccine shots, with the last one at least two weeks before COVID infection, were almost at half the risk (a 41% decrease) of developing long COVID symptoms, at least 12 weeks later.
Current top Omicron symptoms
According to the Zoe Covid Study App, the current “top” symptoms include:
-Sore throat
-Runny nose
-Blocked nose
-Sneezing
-Cough without phlegm
-Cough with phlegm
-Headache
-Hoarse voice
-Muscle aches and pains
-Altered sense of smell
Impact of long COVID on day-to-day life
Long COVID can be completely life changing. Some people get better over time while others may have symptoms staying the same or worsening with time. The uncertainty and lack of recognition and treatment of long COVID can leave people feeling isolated, frustrated, conflicted and uncertain about their future.
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