How concerning is the Omicron variant?
The novel coronavirus has posed an unprecedented challenge to not only our health, but also our healthcare system. With the emergence of new, heavily mutated variants, there seems to be no end to this pandemic.
Furthermore, while the immediate implications of the disease are not only worrisome but life-threatening, many continue to battle the long term effects of the virus. Long COVID has been a reality for a large population affected by the SARs-COV-2 virus. The second wave of coronavirus claimed many lives, but many who survived continue to cope with the after-effects.
However, with mild Omicron infection on the rise, people wonder if it could lead to long COVID or whether people are subject to long term implications of the virus.
Read also: Coronavirus symptoms: How long does it take for Omicron symptoms to appear?
What a mild coronavirus (Omicron) infection may feel like?
Over the course of a few weeks, Omicron has infiltrated the walls of several countries, becoming the most dominant strain till date. While the Omicron variant is said to have a high infectivity rate, preliminary studies have shown that the new variant is considerably mild. As per leading doctors and experts, symptoms such as a mild fever, scratchy throat, extreme body pain, night sweats, vomiting and loss of appetite are said to indicate the Omicron variant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common Omicron symptoms are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose.
Read also: Coronavirus: Two new Omicron symptoms that have come to light
Given that most of the symptoms resemble a cold, many have come to the forefront and said that an infection from the new variant may feel like a regular common cold or a flu.
However, in a recent update, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against taking the 'variant of concern' lightly and said that Omicron is not a common cold.
In a tweet, WHO epidemiologist Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said, "While some reports show a reduced risk of hospitalisation of Omicron compared to Delta, there are still far too many people infected, in hospital sick and dying from Omicron (and Delta)."
Is there a risk of long COVID with a mild disease?
Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome is a condition people experience four or more weeks after being infected with the coronavirus. It is when people have COVID symptoms long after they have recovered from the illness and tested negative. Such patients are also called 'long haulers'.
Earlier on, it was believed that post-acute COVID-19 occured in patients who developed severe SARs-COV-2 infection. This either led to organ damage or people continued to experience lingering symptoms without any detectable damage to other parts of the body.
Now, with the new Omicron variant, which is said to be mild, people seek answers to whether it could lead to long COVID or not. Reports from South Africa, the US and the UK, have shown that Omicron not only causes mild illnesses, but has a lower hospitalisation rate. However, experts believe that we cannot cross out the possibility of long COVID.
What do experts say?
US Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has said, “Long COVID can happen no matter what virus variant occurs. There’s no evidence that there’s any difference between Delta or Beta or now Omicron."
“We should always be aware that when people get symptomatic infection – anywhere from 10 to up to 30 plus percent of people will go on to have persistence of symptoms,” he added.
The US health agency, CDC also claims that even asymptomatic people can have post-COVID conditions. "These conditions can present as different types and combinations of health problems for different lengths of time," they explain.
Common long haul symptoms that may arise even if you test negative
COVID-19 patients are either asymptomatic or experience mild to moderate illness. The symptoms tend to subside within 2–3 weeks after symptoms onset. However, some continue experiencing lingering symptoms for over 4 weeks and beyond, even after testing negative for the virus.
The common symptoms that may persist in the long run are shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and brain fog. Some people have also reported changes or complete loss of smell and taste.
Long COVID in fully vaccinated people
Experts believe that COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, but have nothing to do with minimizing the risk of long COVID. That said, coronavirus shots reduce the risk of long COVID by lowering the chances of contracting COVID-19 in the first place.
A recent non-peer reviewed study published in medRxiv found that COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent people from getting long COVID in case of breakthrough infections, especially if they’re over 60. The study highlighted that vaccination largely lowers the risk of death, ICU admission, and health problems such as respiratory failure, the need for oxygen treatment, psychotic disorders, and hair loss in breakthrough cases. Hence, it is important to follow COVID-appropriate measures to steer clear of infection.
Post-COVID care is essential
If you have had COVID-19 in the past, once you test negative, do not overlook post coronavirus care. Testing negative for a virus does not mean that you let your guard down. It only means that the battle is half won. The recovery period is a crucial one as it needs intense care.
From a healthy diet routine to easy exercises, everything plays an important role. While due to persistent fatigue, it may be difficult to go about your usual ways, do not live a sedentary life. However, those who are fitness enthusiasts, make sure you do not immediately indulge in intense, hardcore workouts. Take your time and let your body heal.
Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods, which provides ample energy. Continue monitoring your symptoms and stay in touch with your doctor.