As infections with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – continue to spread around the world, there have been reports that symptoms are in some ways different from those of Delta variant infections. Are the symptoms really different? What should you watch out for?
Share on PinterestWhat do we know about the symptoms of Omicron variant infection? Credit: Pierre Crom / Getty Images.
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new worrying variant of SARS-CoV-2 that became known as Omicron.
The variant has caused concern among health officials as it appears to be highly transmissible and is more likely to get infected again.
There have also been some concerns that Omicron could bypass the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer claims that three doses of its mRNA vaccine can neutralize Omicron in laboratory tests and that two doses can prevent serious illness after infection with this variant.
For these reasons, countries around the world have taken various measures and precautions to reduce the spread of Omicron among their populations.
Still, in a world in constant motion, it may be impossible to completely stop its expansion. One reason for optimism could be that various reports suggest that infections with this variant tend to cause milder symptoms than those with previous SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Delta.
But how can someone tell if they have an Omicron infection? Are the symptoms the same as previous infections?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list the possible symptoms of a SARS-CoV-2 infection without specifying a variant. These are:
- Fever or chills
- to cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- Muscle or body pain
- a headache
- new loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Constipation or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
However, the CDC notes that this list is not exhaustive and people can experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms. In addition, anecdotal reports on social media and other platforms claim that more specific combinations of symptoms characterize Omicron infections.
The Zoe COVID study – conducted by researchers from health research company ZOE and King’s College London in the UK – uses data from over 4,000,000 participants.
The current analysis of the study aimed to determine if there were differences between the most common symptoms of Delta variant infection and the most common symptoms of Omicron infection.
They compared symptoms reported via the Zoe COVID study app by UK participants who tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2021 when Delta was dominant in the UK with those who tested positive in December 2021 when Omicron had become the dominant variant.
A preliminary analysis showed that the most commonly reported symptoms for both months were largely the same: runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.
The results suggest that there are no major differences in the most common symptoms that are likely caused by the two SARS-CoV-2 variants.
However, according to these self-reported data, the ZOE scientists also note that loss of smell and taste appear to be less common in people who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Medical News Today spoke to Dr. David M. Cutler, General Practitioner at Saint John’s Physician Partners in Santa Monica, Calif., For more advice from doctors about symptoms of Omicron infection.
Dr. Cutler reiterated that symptoms vary and may not be particularly prominent when compared to signs of infection in previous variants.
“The variety of symptoms seen with Omicron is the same as with other SARS-CoV-2 variants,” he said. “It seems quite remarkable that people affected by the same variant can have very different symptoms. Some get a stuffy nose, others get a headache, sometimes a pain in the limbs and others get a sore throat. “
However, he stated: “[s]severe lung infections seem less likely with Omicron than with [with] earlier variants. “
This may be because Omicron, unlike other variants, preferentially infects the upper respiratory tract. According to WHO incident manager Abdi Mahamud, this could also be the reason why it appears to lead to milder symptoms.
“We are seeing more and more studies that indicate that Omicron infects the upper body. Unlike the others, this can lead to severe pneumonia, ”he says, but warns that more studies are needed to confirm this.
There have also been some anecdotal reports that lateral flow tests – also known as LFTs – may be less effective at detecting Omicron infection.
Such tests, which can be done at home, are based on samples taken from the nose, throat, or both and are designed to detect certain viral antigens that may indicate a viral infection.
According to Dr. Cutler “[l]Ateral flow tests are inherently inaccurate [because] [t]Hey neither detect low virus concentrations nor PCR tests. “
RT-PCR tests, or PCR for short, are based on samples taken from both a person’s nose and throat. However, these samples will undergo laboratory tests that can show if SARS-CoV-2-specific genes are present. PCR tests are more sensitive and are generally considered to be more accurate.
Genetic marker tests can also reveal more accuratethe SARS-CoV-2 variant.
However, some health authorities, such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), have stated that when used correctly, LFTs should in most cases detect infections with any SARS-CoV-2 variant.
A laboratory evaluation of lateral flow devices currently in use in the UK by the UKHSA also suggests that LFTs detect Omicron as effectively as previous variants.
What if you contract the Omicron variant and symptoms are mild enough not to require hospital treatment? How to Treat a Mild Infection at Home
“There are no specific over-the-counter home remedies for prevention or treatment [COVID-19]”Noted Dr. Cutler.
The best remedies are similar to what you can use to treat mild flu symptoms or a cold:
“Recommended treatment is based on symptoms: Stay hydrated, rested, and well-fed. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve a headache, aching limbs, or a fever. Avoid unproven remedies like hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, zinc and vitamin D, which are of no known value and can have side effects. “
– Dr. David M. Cutler
However, as they say, prevention is better than cure, so the best approach is to take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from getting infected with Omicron or any other variant of SARS-CoV-2.
“The best way to prevent infection with a SARS-CoV-2 variant is a multi-technique approach,” explained Dr. Cutler. “I like to call this a ‘Swiss cheese’ approach.”
“[J]Just as you need several layers of Swiss cheese so you can’t see ham through the cheese holes on a sandwich, you need several types of protection to prevent this from happening [COVID-19]. No protection technology is 100% effective. Vaccines, masks, distancing, ventilation, and avoiding sick or unvaccinated people are all important and effective in preventing you [an] Infection. And isolating yourself if you are infected is critical to preventing your spread [the virus] to others.”
– David M. Cutler
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