Difference between Omicron wave and previous COVID-19 wave
The number of coronavirus cases have significantly dropped in the country. However, there are many who are still infected and can spread the virus. Although, unlike the first and the second wave, the current wave of infections has been comparatively milder, causing no severe damage to the lungs, it is still dominated by a highly transmissible variant, Omicron. Given that the symptoms associated with the new variant resembles cold-like symptoms, it has become all the more difficult to detect the virus, which is why doctors and medical professionals urge people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, which includes wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
In light of such events, the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (ICMR) has listed down some key observations from the Omicron wave. From the most commonly reported symptom to the people who were most affected, here's what ICMR chief has said.
Also read: Coronavirus: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron; know what studies say about next
What age group was the most affected during the current wave?
According to Balram Bhargava, Director general of the ICMR, as compared to the second wave, the third COVID wave, dominated by the Omicron variant, affected a greater population of younger people.
After analyzing data of 1,520 (564 fully jabbed and 956 unvaccinated/partially vaccinated) COVID patients admitted to 37 medical facilities between November 15, 2021, and January 17, 2022, ICMR researchers found that the average age of those hospitalized was 44 years as compared to 55 years during the second wave.
In addition, ICMR chief says, "About 46% had comorbidities, these are the people who are younger...but nearly half of them had some co-morbidities and their symptoms were much less."
Symptom that was most reported by Omicron patients
As per the ICMR report, the leading symptom in Omicron patients is sore throat.
Unlike the Delta variant, which directly attacks the lungs, the Omicron variant infects the upper respiratory system, causing mild, cold-like symptoms. Sore throat is the predominant symptom during the Omicron wave, says Bhargava.
Also, "there was a significantly lesser use of drugs during this surge and significantly improved outcomes with much less complications of renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and others", he adds further.
Common symptoms to watch out for
Other than sore throat, one should also keep an eye out for symptoms such as headache, mild fever, fatigue, runny nose, night sweat and vomiting, as reported by UK's ZOE symptoms Study App.
At the onset of any of these symptoms, Prof. Tim Spector, head of the study, urges people to get tested immediately.
COVID testing and isolation
While a rapid antigen or a home COVID test is the fastest way to confirm your status, getting an RT PCR test can give you a more accurate result. If you come in close contact with a confirmed COVID patient or start developing symptoms, do not hesitate to get yourself tested. In the meanwhile, also isolate yourself and keep your distance with others until your reports come out as negative.