OMICRON SYMPTOMS: HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE INFECTED?

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, life has taken a backseat as almost every sector has been affected by it. Ever since the Omicron strain has appeared, the spread of infection has increased multifold with a large number of people falling ill globally. The virulence of Omicron is very high, leading to a high rate of infections.

The COVID-19 Omicron Symptoms are different from that of previous variants of Coronavirus. Usually, these symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, a few symptoms and complications could persist for months, even after the recovery from the infection. Let’s learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how Omicron symptoms of COVID-19 are different, and how to know if you are infected.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 can cover a wide array of symptoms ranging from mild to severe and could even lead to hospitalization. The common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

• Body aches

• Loss of taste and smell

• Sore throat

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Running nose or nasal congestion

There could be a few other symptoms that could be symbolic of serious illness, such as blood in cough, bloody stools, persistent fever, etc.

Omicron symptoms

Omicron symptoms, just like the symptoms of the previous variants of the virus, vary in occurrence and severity. Below are the main symptoms of Omicron reported among various age groups. However, there could be new symptoms reported in a few individuals. The biggest challenge is that even children are getting infected in large proportions with the Omicron variant.

Most common symptoms of Omicron

• Feeling tired

• Fever

• Coughing

• Loss of taste

• Loss of smell

• Muscle aches

• Sore throat

Uncommon symptoms of Omicron

• Discolored fingers

• Eye redness

• Skin rashes

Unusual Omicron symptoms

• Loss of appetite

• Loose motions

• Abdominal cramps

Serious Omicron symptoms

• Confusion

• Dyspnea

• Chest pain

• Difficulty in speaking

• Loss of mobility

How to know if you are infected?

As the Omicron symptoms are milder than the previous variants, the Omicron symptoms could mimic symptoms of a common cold. It is imperative to understand the chronology of these symptoms to assess if you are infected.

The early symptoms of Omicron start appearing as early as three days after the exposure to the virus and could take up to 7-10 days to appear in a few cases.

Usually, the first Omicron symptoms start with general weakness and fatigue. These are followed by early Omicron symptoms such as fever, body aches, and headache during the first few days. Additional Omicron symptoms include a running nose, painful or itchy throat, and cough. Cough could be dry or productive, which can continue to bother for a few days and might resolve with or without cough syrups. In the majority of the cases, the cough is dry.

You could also feel a new loss of taste and/or smell. In addition, there could be gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loose motions, abdominal pain, and abdominal cramps. Children are more prone to experience these gastrointestinal Omicron symptoms. In some cases, there could be discoloration of the fingers or toes and irritation in the eyes.

In most cases, the fever starts to resolve after three days, followed by the resolution of other Omicron symptoms within a week or so. Smell and taste sensations might take a few additional days to reappear. However, if the symptoms do not start to resolve within a week, there is a possibility of moderate to severe infection that requires close medical attention.

These Omicron symptoms could resemble common cold symptoms, but a closer look will help you differentiate both infections. Common cold symptoms are milder and usually include runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and headaches, but gastrointestinal symptoms do not involve symptoms of common cold, and there is no discoloration of fingers/toes and no loss of taste or smell. In a few cases, the combined infection of COVID-19 and common cold has been reported, with the presentation of Omicron symptoms of a common cold.

So, if your symptoms match the chronology and characteristics of the Omicron infection, you should undergo Omicron COVID-19 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, or antigen test, to confirm the diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment. As soon as you feel that you have Omicron symptoms, the first step you need to take is to isolate yourself and prevent the spread of infection to your family, colleagues, and social circle. There could be chances of a false negative test where Omicron symptoms show, but the reports are negative or vice-versa.

As you know, the Omicron strain is more infectious than the previous ones, so you must take extra care to break the chain and stop the spread by wearing masks, maintaining six feet distance, frequently washing your hands, disposing of used tissue papers, and maintaining personal hygiene. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), awareness and precaution are critical in limiting the spread of Omicron to your family members and society if you are infected. You should avoid going to markets or offices; however, if you must, wear N95 masks and maintain social distance at all times. Additionally, you should stay hydrated and take immunity boosters to fight the infections.

Conclusion

The early trend has shown that people who are fully vaccinated usually get milder symptoms compared to people who are yet to get vaccinated. Even the rate of hospitalization is lower among vaccinated people, clearly indicating the role of mass vaccination drive in fighting COVID-19 infections, including Omicron. You must get vaccinated, wear a mask, maintain social distance, avoid travel, and avoid going to congested places to avoid contracting the Omicron infection. It is recommended to look out for the symptoms and get the tests done for confirmation.
While you keep a close look for the Omicron symptoms, wear a mask (preferably N95), use hand rubs and hand sanitizers, stay hydrated, and take immunity boosters, among others.  Vitamin C, Zinc, herbal supplements, such as Chyawanprash, to up your ante against the omicron infection. Additionally, you can use honey,  hot sips, and ayurvedic cough syrups to soothe your throat and treat cough. You can shop online for these products, including prescribed medications, and get contact-less timely delivery at your doorstep with Wellness Forever.