Contents
The Omikron variant is spreading around the world. The expert explains when we can observe the first symptoms of infection with this variant of the coronavirus and how to distinguish them from the flu.
- The first signs of Omicron are usually upper respiratory tract infections, such as a sore throat
- For other COVID-19 variants, symptoms could appear two to as many as 14 days after exposure to the virus. And how is it with Omikron? Here the symptoms appear much faster – usually after one or two days – emphasizes Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Dr. Eric Cioe-Peña, director of Global Health and the emergency department physician at Staten Island University Hospital, points out that the symptoms of the disease caused by the Omikron variant are quite similar to the flu. Therefore, in order to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a test – emphasizes the expert in an interview with the portal «Eat This, Not That».
“Of course, some symptoms are more likely with COVID-19, such as loss of taste and smell, but otherwise it’s difficult to judge from the symptoms,” explains Dr. Cioe-Peña. The more so because – as we wrote in Medonet – fever, cough, loss of taste or smell typical of COVID-19 has become less frequent.
- Delta vs Omikron. What are the differences in symptoms? [TALLY]
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- Pain in muscles or body
- Headache
- Sudden loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Qatar
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The doctor said it was Omikron. “I know exactly how I got infected”
Omicron – what are the first symptoms of infection and how quickly do they appear?
As you can see, the list of potential COVID-19 symptoms is long, and each individual’s illness may turn out differently. However, the basic question is: how soon after contact with the Omicron will we start to feel the first symptoms of the disease?
The first signs of infection with Omikron are usually congestion and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as a sore throat. The Omikron variant is not only more contagious than Alpha or Delta, but also in people who become infected with this variant, symptoms appear much faster. «Usually it is one to two days»Says Dr. Cioe-Peña.
Why is Omikron less severe for many people than Alpha and Delta?
Many of the mutations that make it more contagious look similar to the mutations in coronaviruses that cause the common cold. This probably makes it more contagious, but less severe. However, it is still very serious in patients who are not vaccinated, so this should not be overstated
– explains Dr. Cioe-Peña in an interview with «Eat This, Not That».
The doctor also emphasizes that precautions such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and vaccinations will help us avoid contracting Omicron.
If you suspect that you may have come into contact with Omicron, or you have suspicious symptoms, act responsibly: avoid social contact and get a test as soon as possible.
- Positive home test? You have to do this right away
Do you want to test your COVID-19 immunity after vaccination? Have you been infected and want to check your antibody levels? See the COVID-19 immunity test package, which you will perform at Diagnostics network points.
Also read:
- The treacherous symptoms of Omikron. If you notice them, do a test right away
- Unusual symptom of Omikron infection. Even doctors can easily overlook them
- These symptoms indicate that you may have had an Omicron infection before [LIST]
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.