Coronavirus: Signs you may have had the Omicron but didn't know

Much to everyone's relief, the highly infectious COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has proved to be extremely 'mild' and manageable. Given that it largely affects the upper respiratory tract, experts believe it does not pose any direct risk to the lungs, which is why the number of hospitalization and death cases are significantly lower than what we witnessed during the second COVID wave.

However, in light of such mild, cold-like symptoms, it has become extremely difficult to differentiate between Omicron and a regular cold. Many who develop symptoms dismiss it as a common cold or a flu and evade COVID testing. That said, if you got sick in the past, but didn't get tested, here are some signs that can tell you if it was Omicron.

Also read: "Should I try to get infected by Omicron since it's mild and gets me natural immunity?" Experts answer

Also read: Coronavirus: Why Omicron symptoms are similar to common cold

Also read: Coronavirus: Experts say Omicron BA.2 subvariant hard to track; what steps should you take if you test negative but have COVID-19 symptoms

UK's ZOE symptoms Study App head, Professor Tim Spector had earlier highlighted that symptoms like fever, cough and loss of smell are now in the "minority of symptoms". These were some of the sure-shot signs of COVID-19.

Now, with the emergence of the latest COVID variant, Omicron, there has been a major change in the kind of symptoms.

If you had a sore/scratchy throat, a runny nose, headache, fatigue and body pain, it could have been an Omicron infection. Professor Spector urged everyone with these symptoms to get themselves tested immediately.

Also see: Coronavirus: Why Omicron symptoms are similar to common cold

Respiratory viruses in general are extremely infectious. However, when it comes to COVID-19, it is currently the most dominant virus in the world.

The Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa, has proved to be more transmissible than its previous strains including the Delta. Having said that, it is unlikely that anyone who comes in contact with an infected person can escape it.

So, if you were sick and noticed that everyone around you fell ill one by one, probably it was an Omicron infection.

According to reports, people with an Omicron infection may experience stomach problems too.

As per ZOE study App, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite were some of the symptoms reported in people with Omicron. During the second wave, many who were infected also reported symptoms like diarrhea.

Also See: Why omicron lead to common cold like symptoms

Alopecia or loss of hair is a prevalent and a common issue faced by people who have recovered from COVID-19. Experts believe hair loss can be a lingering after-effect of COVID infection. This has been attributed to emotional stress, medications or due to the release of proinflammatory cytokines as a response to fight the virus.

That said, if you have been losing lumps of hair too after your sickness, you were possibly down with Omicron, but didn't know since you did not get tested.

According to the Jerusalem post, having an eye infection, known as a COVID eye, or a strange rash on your toes - COVID toe - during your sickness could mean that you were infected with the Omicron.

Although mild, it is still important to take all measures. In light of any symptoms or signs, do not step out. Isolate and monitor your symptoms. Wear your masks and maintain distance from those who are vulnerable.