Omicron or B.1.1.529 is the new coronavirus variant. Scientists first identified it in South Africa on November 24, and consider it to be more transmissible than the Delta variant. According to WHO, Omicron has already affected 106 countries.
Background
The number of Omicron victims is also rising exponentially in India. Already more than 2.5 million Indians have contracted the coronavirus. Experts fear that with the third wave of Omicron, the number of cases will reach a record level by February. But although Omicron is highly contagious, experts believe it is less severe than previous variants. So far patients have not reported loss of smell or taste. Besides, there hasn’t been any major drop in oxygen levels with this new variant. Hospitalisation rates are also low.
Notably, the time period for an infected person to develop symptoms is shorter in the case of Omicron. While the previous variants took a full week to develop symptoms, Omicron takes merely three days or fewer. This is one of the reasons variant is spreading at breakneck speed. Doctors are also of the opinion that the incubation period for Omicron infections could be shorter. However, it will depend on the infected individual’s age, underlying health problems and vaccination status.
Mild fever and cold cough are the main symptoms of this disease. In addition to these, there are other symptoms of this new form of corona as well. Beware of skin rashes with sore throat, runny nose or stuffy nose, headache, sneezing, itchy eyes.
ZOE, a Covid-19 fitness tracking app from England, reported two new symptoms that Omicron patients have exhibited. These include nausea and loss of appetite. According to Tim Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, these symptoms are also seen in people who have received a double vaccine or booster.
While Omicron patients commonly report the above mentioned symptoms, there were a few cases where patients displayed the following rare and uncommon symptoms–
5 Uncommon Symptoms of Omicron
- Blue or gray nails: This is one of the early symptoms of Omicron. Omicron-infected patients lack oxygen in their blood. This causes their nails to turn blue. Contact a doctor if you see anything like that.
- Effects on the skin: If there are sudden spots on the skin, if the lips become blue, if it is itchy, you must see a doctor.
- Difficulty in breathing: If breathing problems start suddenly and you feel chest pain consult a doctor immediately.
- Fatigue and pain in the body: If you feel constantly tired, can’t get out of bed or have unbearable pain in the lower part of the waist, be careful. This could also be due to Omicron.
- Sweating at night: If you sweat while sleeping at night, it can also be a sign of Omicron. Consult a doctor in these cases and isolate yourself on his advice.
Staying vigilant
It is important to be watchful and identify the symptoms of Omicron. If you start noticing any of these symptoms, get yourself tested and isolate at home. It is also important to improve the body’s immunity through proper diet. Highly skilled dieticians with years of experience are onboard on DocGenie. If you are infected with Omicron, you should book a session with one of our diet specialists for an online consultation on your diet.
If you or any of your family members notice the symptoms, be careful. It is always better to take the advice of a doctor right after you see the initial symptoms of Omicron. A practising doctor will be able to understand the real nature of your ailment. Otherwise this seemingly innocent strain of coronavirus can become fatal!
Surveys have shown that infected people are 40 to 60 percent less likely to be hospitalized. According to leading medical practitioners although Omicron and Delta may seem like a common cold to many, it can kill 1 in 50 people. It can also have with long-term symptoms in some of the patients that can disrupt their lifestyle.
To stay on the top of your health, book a session on DocGenie to know more about Omicron symptoms from the comfort of your home. Also, if you are infected, our doctors can offer online medical guidance throughout your recovery period.
Stay safe, stay home!
Also read: How to successfully treat COVID-19 and maintain home isolation
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you can book an online consultation with highly qualified doctors as well as book lab tests for home collection.