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Soon after Omicron was discovered, doctors noticed that it exhibited slightly symptoms than the earlier variants. The fever, cough, loss of taste or smell typical of COVID-19 has become less frequent, and other ailments have come to the fore. How are the symptoms of Omicron, Delta and previous mutations different? Why do such changes occur at all and can we identify which mutation of the coronavirus has attacked us on the basis of them?
- In an infection caused by Omikron, the symptoms very much resemble a common cold, especially in those who are vaccinated
- Patients often experience sore throat, sneezing and runny nose, while fever, coughing and loss of taste or smell are less common. This article compares the Delta and Omicron symptoms
- Knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 will help you diagnose the problem quickly and implement appropriate measures, however, the symptoms are only an indication of a possible cause. Hence, it is so important to consult a doctor about disturbing signals
- You can find more about the coronavirus on the TvoiLokony home page
COVID-19 symptoms. Why is knowing them so important?
Vaccinations and compliance with the principles of DDM (disinfection, distance, masks) are key tools in the fight against COVID-19. The ability to recognize the symptoms of infection is also of great importance. Thanks to this, it is possible to isolate as quickly as possible and limit the spread of the pathogen. Knowing the symptoms of the coronavirus is especially important where testing options are limited or absent.
However, the matter is not that simple. Scientists from the British ZOE COVID Symptom Study program warn that “Many people are unaware of all the symptoms that we should watch out for”. As a result, people may interpret their ailments as signs of a cold, when in fact it will be COVID-19. Let us clarify that the ZOE COVID Study is based on an application that records reports from millions of British users with the coronavirus infection, thanks to which it is possible to observe how the symptoms of COVID-19 change during the pandemic.
Further part below the video.
The second important point is that “COVID is more than three classic symptoms”. It is also known that the symptoms of infection vary depending on the SARS-CoV-2 mutation. In the case of the Omikron super-variant, the doctors saw these changes almost immediately. The fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell so far characteristic of COVID-19 have become less frequent. Sore throats, sneezing and runny nose were reported more frequently. “The most commonly reported symptoms of Omikron infection are very similar to the common cold, especially in people who have been vaccinated,” says Dr. Claire Steves, who is involved in the ZOE COVID Symptom Study.
- These two symptoms could indicate that you are infected with the Omikron variant
Omikron, Delta and earlier variants. What symptoms they give
Analyzes of reports submitted using the ZOE COVID Study application show that runny nose, headache, sore throat and fatigue are the five main symptoms reported by patients in the last few weeks with both Delta and Omikron infections. However, there are also differences – they are shown in the following comparison prepared by the American Business Insider (it was based on data collected by the Zoe application, there is no distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated people).
| Symptom | Omikron | Delta |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | Frequent | Frequent |
| Headache | Frequent | Frequent |
| Tiredness | Frequent | Frequent |
| Sneezing | Frequent | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Frequent | Frequent |
| A persistent cough | Sometimes | Frequent |
| Dreszcze | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Fever | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Loss of sense of smell | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Dyspnea | Rarely | Sometimes |
Na podst. Insider/ Analysis of data from the Zoe COVID Symptom Study
In a situation where Omikron spreads around the world, it is also worth knowing which symptoms are the most common and which are less common. Such a list was prepared by Insider (also based on data from the ZOE COVID Study, as of January 5, 2022).
10 symptoms of Omikron infection – in order of the most common:
- Qatar – 73 percent
- Headache – 68 percent
- Fatigue – 64 percent
- Sneezing – 60 percent
- Sore throat – 60 percent
- Persistent cough – 44 percent
- Hoarseness – 36 percent
- Chills – 30 percent
- Fever – 29 percent
- Dizziness – 28 percent
Let us add that the loss of smell – a symptom that was previously one of the very characteristic signals of COVID-19 – was reported in the case of Omikron by 19 percent. surveyed users of the ZOE COVID Study application. For comparison, in June, when the Delta variant was dominant in the UK, it was the sixth most common symptom of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated people.
- 20 symptoms of Omicron. These are the most common
Omicron infection. The doctor explains where it starts
Dr. Jorge Moreno of the Yale School of Medicine points to a distinct symptom of Omicron that often occurs at the beginning of an infection: the characteristic sore throat. – Many patients experienced a scratchy and dry throat that caused severe pain when swallowing – explained the doctor, adding that These symptoms are also accompanied by sinus congestion and headache, and a cough a day later. The doctor also points to the fact that in vaccinated people the symptoms were usually milder and lasted relatively short.
Have you been infected with COVID-19 and are worried about the side effects? Check your health by performing a comprehensive test package for convalescents.
From the observation of Dr. Moreno also found that fatigue is now more pronounced among outpatients, who also frequently report body pain. – I have seen many more people reporting fatigue as one of the main symptoms – says the doctor. – These are young people who need rest and sleep now.
Why do conditions change with the variants of the coronavirus? Scientists don’t know exactly this yet. However, early research suggests that, compared to previous mutations, Omikron may be less effective at attacking lung cells. It is possible that the way the pathogen replicates or accumulates in the body may have changed as well. An unreviewed study from the University of Hong Kong suggests that the Omikron replicates 70 times faster compared to Delta. in the bronchi, but 10 times slower in the lung tissue. Other analyzes indicate that Omikron can infect the throat and only then the nose.
All of the above information is intended to reduce the risk of confusing coronavirus infection with a cold. However, these are only guidelines and should not be relied upon as a reliable method of diagnosing the disease or the variant causing the infection. Hence, it is so important to consult a doctor for any ailment that worries us, the more so as the symptoms may vary from person to person and shape depending on the immunity state of a given person or the level of vaccination.
- Delta or Omikron – how to recognize which variant infected us? Tips and important note
Diagnostic tests (nasopharyngeal swab for RT-PCR or quick antigen test) will provide certainty whether we are dealing with a cold or a coronavirus. It is similar with the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 variant that caused the infection – this will be possible thanks to a complete genetic analysis, i.e. a PCR test.
- Why does Omikron attack the vaccinated? The doctor explains what is happening in their bodies
In an interview with Medonet, the drug spoke about it. Bartosz Fiałek: – To assess which SARS-CoV-2 variant caused COVID-19, the viral genome must be sequenced. We take a test – a PCR test and find out what the result is: positive, negative or doubtful. Then about 1 percent. all positive test results are sequenced – he explained.
The doctor draws attention to the fact that currently in Poland Omikron accounts for less than 30 percent. infections, “which means that Delta is still the dominant line of development of the virus in Poland”. – For this reason, it is difficult to say which variant of the SARS-2 coronavirus is caused by COVID-19. It can only be guessed from the symptoms. We know that the Delta variant causes loss of smell and taste more often, so if this symptom is absent, it can be assumed that we are dealing with an Omicron. But we do not know for sure – emphasizes Bartosz Fiałek.
It should also be remembered that the disease can also be asymptomatic. Initial estimates say that in the case of Omikron, 30 percent. infections may be of this nature.
You may be interested in:
- Who is most resistant to an Omicron infection? Interesting research results
- How can the fifth wave go? Experts about possible scenarios. “It’s the only light in the tunnel”
- The Omicron wave passes through Europe. What does this mean for Poland?
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