Know all about Omicron symptoms and when you should get tested
The number of Omicron cases in India has crossed the 200 mark, raising concerns across the country. What was initially referred to as 'mild' has wreaked a lot of havoc in such a short span of time.
Given the surge in the number of coronavirus cases, it is crucial to revisit the basics of COVID-appropriate measures. Understanding your symptoms, taking immediate caution and staying on guard has become more important than ever.
Read also: Coronavirus: One tell-tale sign of Omicron variant less common with the Delta variant
Furthermore, one should be aware of the various stages of COVID-19 infection, especially when it concerns a heavily mutated, infectious variant like the Omicron.
Read also: Coronavirus: Do Omicron symptoms show up sooner than other COVID-19 strains?
Symptoms associated with Omicron
When it comes to the Omicron variant, most symptoms are different from the classic COVID-19 symptoms.
Doctors have listed down the symptoms on many occasions and of the many, mild fever, fatigue, "scratchy" throat and "lots of body pain" are some of the common ailments.
Read also: Coronavirus symptoms: Signs you most likely have Omicron and not regular cold
There have been no indications of loss of smell and taste and as per UK's ZOE Symptoms Study app, some people have also shown signs of appetite loss.
Do not dismiss symptoms as normal cold
Having headaches, a sore throat, a runny nose, feeling fatigued and frequent sneezing may all feel like a usual cold or a flu. However, Professor Tim Spector, head of UK's ZOE Covid study app urges everyone with these symptoms to get themselves tested for COVID-19 immediately.
Amid increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in England, he says, "In London, where Covid is increasing rapidly, it’s far more likely to be Covid than it is to be a cold. We’re seeing doubling in the numbers equivalent to what’s being seen elsewhere, every two-and-a-half days, and that really means numbers are going up.”
Also See: Explained: Why are fully vaccinated people with no travel history testing positive for Omicron
People in India should also take extreme caution. Common cold cases may have surged due to the cold winters, but the simultaneous rise in the number of COVID-19 cases only indicates that your cold symptoms could be more than what you think.
Also See: Coronavirus vaccination: Will nasal vaccines prove effective against COVID's Omicron variant?
How long should you wait before getting tested?
If you have been experiencing classic COVID-19 symptoms or symptoms specifically associated with the new coronavirus variant, then you must get yourself tested immediately.
Ideally, the incubation period of coronavirus, which is the number of days between when you're infected and when you develop or notice symptoms, can range from 1-14 days, most commonly around 5 days.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), "On average it takes five to six days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days."
However, a person with COVID-19 may be contagious 48 hours before starting to experience symptoms. Some people remain asymptomatic throughout the course of infection, which is why getting yourself tested as and when you come in contact with an infected person is highly important.
Also, if you live in an area populated with COVID-infected people, take necessary precautions and do not ignore any signs or symptoms.
10-day isolation period is a must
If you test positive for COVID-19, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends isolating for 10 days after a positive test result.
During the period of your isolation, continue monitoring your symptoms regularly. COVID-19 symptoms are said to fluctuate from time to time and what may not seem serious could lead to complications.
In case you experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, chest pain or other complications, seek medical help immediately.
Types of COVID tests you can get
COVID-19 tests are a useful mode of detecting SARs-COV-2 virus in our system. Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, the tests help in confirming active cases, and also leaves no space of confusion.
There are many types of COVID tests i.e. rapid test or antigen test, molecular testing and antibody or blood test.
Rapid tests, also known as antigen tests, are a quick and cheap way of detecting the virus. Therefore, rapid tests are most widely used in areas that have a large number of people, such as airports.
If you're looking for an accurate COVID-19 test result, then a molecular test or RNA test can help. It is a diagnostic test wherein the healthcare provider will collect mucus from your nose and throat using a swab.
Antibody tests can detect active coronavirus infection and also tell you if you have encountered the virus in the past. This type of COVID testing does not provide results immediately.