What are the symptoms of omicron and why is it dangerous

What is omicron

It is a strain of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which for the first time discoveredClassification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS‑CoV‑2 Variant of Concern / WHO in November 2021 in South Africa. WHO almost immediately classified omicron as a strain of concern. Variant of Concern, VOC). That is, those requiring observation due to properties potentially dangerous to humanity.

VOC strains must there isSARS‑CoV‑2 Virus Variant Tracking / World Health Organization at least one of the following features:

• they are much more active than other strains are transmitted from person to person;
• more likely to cause disease with symptoms;
• have new features that are not characteristic of the "classic" covid;
• more easily penetrate vaccine protection, they are less affected by therapeutic drugs.

In addition to omicron, the VOC group includes alpha, beta, gamma and delta strains coronavirus.

How is omicron different from delta and other strains

First of all, the number of mutations. Omicron has them

there areEnhancing response to Omicron SARS‑CoV‑2 variant / WHO as many as 32 — more than other registered variants of the coronavirus. Experts from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control supposeImplications of the emergence and spread of the SARS‑CoV‑2 B.1.1. 529 variant of concern (Omicron) for the EU/EEA / ECDCthat the mutations resulted in several features in this strain.

• Omicron more easily eludes the immune response formed vaccination or a previous illness. Therefore, it would be reckless to expect that newly acquired immunity will protect against infection.
• The risk of re-infection with omicron is higher than other variants of the coronavirus. The strain itself also mutates, and already there isOmicron variant: What we know so far about this COVID‑19 strain / UC Davis Health evidence that some people who had omicron version BA.1 disease became infected with variant BA.2 within a month.
• Omicron is more infectious than other VOC strains.

The good news is that with increased infectiousness compared to the same delta variant omicron is still considered a little safer: the risk of getting seriously ill or dying is lower than from other well-known strains.

However, “hard to get sick” is not required to experience all the delights of the omicron. WHO warnsWhat we know about the Omicron strain / UNICEFthat this strain should not be considered harmless. Even in a mild form, a coronavirus infection can knock a person out of normal life for at least a few days.

What are the symptoms of omicron

CountsWhat we know about the Omicron strain / UNICEFthat omicron manifests itself in much the same way as the “classic” covid. AllocateMain symptoms of coronavirus (COVID‑19) / NHS three key features:

1. Fever. When touched on the chest or back, one can feel intense heat, which is so obvious that it is not even necessary to measure temperature.
2. The appearance of a continuous cough. That is, three or more attacks per day or one prolonged for at least an hour.
3. Loss or change in smell or taste.

However, scientists from the British research project ZOE COVID Symptom Study warnWhat are the symptoms of COVID? / ZOE Covid Study: Omicron infection is not limited to the three classic symptoms. Not only that: often the latter do not exist at all.

Because of this, people in the first days after infection believeOmicron: ‘Cold-like’ symptoms of variant need greater public health messaging to curb spread, expert warns / inews.co.ukthat they do not have covid, but a common cold. And take the disease more lightly, helping the omicron to spread.

According to experts from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, only half of people who become infected with omicron presentWhat are the symptoms of Omicron? / ZOE COVID Symptom Study any symptom from the classic covid triad: fever, cough, loss of smell.

The most interesting thing is the disappearance of odors. If in 2021 anosmia confidently entered the top ten most common signs of covid, today this sign occupies only 17th place and is recorded only in every fifth patient. Four out of five people continue to smell despite a confirmed coronavirus infection.

Here are five most oftenWhat are the symptoms of Omicron? / ZOE COVID Symptom Study emerging symptoms of omicron infection according to statistics compiled by the ZOE COVID Symptom Study.

1. Runny nose.
2. Headache.
3. Weakness. Often it is so pronounced that it is difficult for a person to get out of bed.
4. Sneezing.
5. Perceptible sore throat.

The omicron has other features, including rather unusual ones. For example, diarrhea, itching, or eye painCan Omicron Cause Itchy Eyes? Experts Explain/Prevention. Also reportedOmicron symptoms to look out for and when they'll strike / Chronicle Live about the appearance of a skin rash similar to prickly heat or urticaria.

How is omicron treated?

There is no difference here with other strains of coronavirus. The reason is simple: there are currently no truly effective therapies against viral infections. All that medicine can offer is symptomatic treatment. It comes down to alleviating unpleasant symptoms.

What to do if you have cold symptoms

That's how recommendsMemo for citizens in case of COVID‑19 / Ministry of Health of Russia act the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in this case.

1. Stay home. If you need sick leave, call the unified service "122" or the call center of your clinic.
2. If you live with someone, self-isolate in a separate room if possible. Households are advised to wear masks or respirators.
3. Ventilate the room regularly. Ideally, once every three hours.
4. If you have elevated temperatureTry to drink at least two liters of fluid per day.
5. Measure body temperature at least three times a day. Also, if possible, use a pulse oximeter twice a day - the saturation level should not fall below 95%.
6. If you have a runny nose, rinse your nose with over-the-counter saline solutions.
7. For sore throats, use over-the-counter pain relief sprays and lozenges. You can gargle with saline solution: half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
8. If the temperature rises above 38°C, take an over-the-counter fever reducer such as paracetamol.
9. It is also acceptable to drink vitamins C and D according to the instructions if you have no contraindications.
10. If the temperature is above 38 ° C for two days or more, despite taking antipyretics, call the call center of your polyclinic or call 122. A doctor will advise you.
11. If there is shortness of breath, feeling shortness of breath, pain behind the sternum, saturation has fallen below 94% - call an ambulance.

Ekaterina Komissarova