Ómicron: What are the symptoms of the contagious variant of covid-19 known so far

One of the main epidemiologists in the United Kingdom indicates that, from what has been seen so far, the symptoms of omicron are very similar to those of a common cold

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is expanding rapidly and studies suggest that it is the most contagious to date.

But this version of the coronavirus appears to be causing milder symptoms than its predecessors, making it more similar to the common cold or flu.

However, the rapid rate at which omicron is transmitted continues to put pressure on health centers and continues to pose a risk to unvaccinated and at-risk patients.

So how can I know if I have covid or another mild respiratory illness?

Symptoms of omicron

“We think that omicron is much more similar to the mild variants that we have seen in vaccinated people, such as delta mainly,” Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist at King’s College London, who leads the so-called Zoe Symptom Study, told the BBC. Covid.

The Zoe Covid study has been collecting data from thousands of people who record their symptoms in an app. Its researchers have analyzed the symptoms linked to the delta variant and the new omicron variant.

So far, the five most common symptoms are:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Fatigue (mild to severe)
• sneezing
• Throat pain

The King’s College epidemiologist points out that, because many of the symptoms that are now reported with the omicron variant are similar to those of the cold, this can lead to people “perhaps not going to recognize the infection as covid” .

If you suspect that you have covid, the most important thing is that you get tested as soon as possible . Even those who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic can put others at risk.

Previous variants of the coronavirus presented symptoms such as fever, cough and loss of taste and smell.

But, according to Spector, now most of the people who are reporting new infections don’t have those “classic symptoms” of covid.

What symptoms should I be alert for?

The British National Health Service (NHS) indicates that we must continue to monitor the classic symptoms of covid:

• Continuous and sudden cough
• Fever or high temperature
• Loss or change in taste and smell

However, for some, having covid can feel like “a bad cold”, with symptoms such as headache, sore throat and runny nose.

Is fever an unequivocal symptom of coronavirus?

Above 37.8C it is considered a high temperature. Fever can occur when the body is fighting an infection, not just coronavirus.

It is best to use a thermometer. But if you don’t have one, check to see if it feels hot when you touch your chest or back.

A common cold is unlikely to cause a fever.

If you have a fever, it is recommended that you take a diagnostic test to rule out that you have coronavirus.

What about the cough?

If you have the flu or a cold, you may have a cough and other symptoms.

The flu usually comes on suddenly , and sufferers often experience muscle aches, chills, headaches, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, along with a cough. It feels worse than a bad cold.

Colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe, although they do make us feel sick.

Along with the cough, there may be sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose. Fever, chills, muscle aches, and headaches are rare.

A coronavirus cough involves coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing fits, or “episodes,” in 24 hours.

If you develop a new and ongoing cough you should get tested for coronavirus.

What does it mean to lose taste or smell?

These are key symptoms of coronavirus and mean you should get tested.

You may still have a simple cold. But you should check it out, even if you don’t feel sick, to avoid the risk of spreading the virus.

If I sneeze, does it mean I have coronavirus?

Sneezing is not a classic symptom of coronavirus, and unless you also have a fever, cough, or loss of smell and appetite, there should be no problem.

Similarly, a sneeze can spread infections , so try to use a tissue and wash your hands when you sneeze.

What if I have a runny or stuffy nose?

It is not one of the key symptoms of coronavirus, but several investigations suggest that people who have tested positive have experienced these symptoms.

The United States health guidelines, for example, include all these symptoms as possible in case of coronavirus infection.

• Fever or chills
• Tos
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Throat pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Data from South Africa indicates that some people have reported digestive problems as a possible symptom of omicron.

But in the UK, Tim Spector noted that the omicron infection appears to remain similar to previous variants, ie a primarily respiratory infection.

What do I do if I feel very bad?

Preliminary data and studies on omicron suggest that this variant is less severe than the previous ones. We owe this in part to virus mutations but above all to the protection of vaccines and natural immunity.

However, the speed at which omicron is transmitted, the fastest to date, remains a challenge and many, especially patients with certain underlying medical conditions , continue to be at risk.

People with coronavirus can have a wide range of symptoms from mild to severe. Some will have none but can still be infectious.

Symptoms can appear up to two weeks after exposure to the coronavirus, but usually around day five.

Breathing difficulties can be a sign of a more serious infection.