All you need to know about symptomatic Omicron infection
The new coronavirus variant, Omicron, which was first detected in South Africa has now entered several countries, leading to a rapid surge in the number of cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday warned against the new variant stating that it could pose "very high" risk and could overwhelm healthcare systems. In the last week the number of COVID-19 cases have gone up to 11 percent worldwide, compelling many countries to impose restrictions.
Amid such panic and chaos, it is also our responsibility to stay safe and vigilant. Most of all, do not socialize with people, especially if you're experiencing symptoms that may resemble a common cold.
The Omicron variant appears to be 'mild' so far, but should you let your guard down yet?
Currently, the Omicron variant is spreading like wildfire across countries. Fresh cases are being reported daily, raising widespread concerns. So far, over 600 cases of Omicron have been recorded in India alone.
However, experts and health agencies have associated the new COVID variant with mild infections. Very few cases of death have been reported in the UK and USA.
But WHO continues to urge people to take the variant seriously and not dismiss it as a mild disease. The speed at which the variant is spreading has alarmed doctors and scientists around the world. This is why we should continue practicing social distance, follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and keep wearing our masks.
Common symptoms associated with the Omicron variant
As mentioned before, up until now, the symptoms of Omicron have been mild in most cases. Many doctors have listed down the most common symptoms for us time and again. According to UK's ZOE COVID Study app, which is a self-reporting symptoms platform, here are some of the commonly reported symptoms of Omicron:
- Mild fever
- Scratchy throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- 'A lot of body pain'
- Fatigue
- Night sweats.
Apart from that, two unusual symptoms that have appeared recently are nausea accompanied by vomiting and loss of appetite.
Your skin can also signal an infection from the new COVID variant
The symptoms study app has also highlighted another symptom of the Omicron, that can appear on your skin, which is a 'rash'.
Skin rash has often been associated with COVID-19. Earlier studies have suggested that it could be a sign of inflammation triggered by the SARs-COV-2 virus. The ZOE COVID Study app reports that depending on the frequency, a skin rash should be considered as “a fourth key sign” of COVID-19.
COVID fingers and toes, also known as chilblain, have been reported in people infected with coronavirus. This could lead to red and purple bumps on fingers and toes, which could induce pain and itchiness.
Additionally, as per the Symptoms Study app, there are two more types of rash that could be associated with COVID+ patients, which are hive-type rash and prickly heat type rash. While the former appears suddenly in the form of bumps and can quickly fade away, the latter is small, itchy and forms red bumps anywhere on the body, prevalent on elbows, knees and the back of hands and feet.
Steps to take if you test positive
If you notice any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or the new Omicron variant, get yourself tested and stay isolated until your reports suggest a negative result. Do not panic if you test positive for the virus. Continue isolating yourself and monitor your symptoms regularly. Act immediately, if you have trouble breathing, develop shortness of breath or chest pain. Keep an oximeter handy so as to check your oxygen levels.