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After a brief respite, India is witnessing a massive rise in the number of daily COVID cases. From just 6,000 cases being reported a week ago, the country on Monday has logged over 33,000 cases, a record high since several months. With the spread of the Omicron variant, the country is witnessing a new kind of threat. As vaccination and prior infection have shown a dip in efficacy in warding off Omicron, keeping your guards up is the safest thing you can do. Knowing what symptoms you might experience is also crucial. It’ll prompt you to take all the necessary precautions not just for your safety but for that of others too.
A study conducted in the United Kingdom had earlier enumerated five symptoms of the Omicron variant, which were similar to those for the common cold. The same study has now revealed two additional symptoms of the same. Since most of the cases of Omicron infection are mild or moderate, keeping an eye on what you experience can help you with your and your family’s safety against this highly transmissible ‘variant of concern’.
What Are The Symptoms Of Omicron Variant?
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The United Kingdom’s ZOE Symptom Tracking Study had last month enumerated five symptoms associated with the Omicron variant. The symptoms were similar to those for the common cold and included:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sneezing
The study’s lead scientist, Professor Tim Spector, had then said that since the symptoms of Omicron are very similar to those for the common cold, hence, if someone experiences them, it’s better to stay at home as it could be COVID.
Also read: Mild? Maybe. 5 Reasons Why You Must Protect Yourself From Omicron COVID
Additional Symptoms Of Omicron COVID Variant
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The ZOE study has now enlisted two more symptoms of the Omicron variant, which can be termed as a bit unusual as far as COVID is concerned. The symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- A loss of appetite
These two symptoms were largely seen in those who were fully vaccinated as well as those who received their booster shots, several media outlets quoted Professor Spector as saying.
The Omicron variant is a heavily mutated variant of the novel coronavirus. Although several preliminary studies have termed it as mild, it is capable of spreading rapidly. Hence, you must take all necessary precautions to prevent getting infected by this variant. Getting tested after experiencing any of the symptoms is the first thing that you must do. Also, isolate the initial onset of the symptoms.
Also read: New Year 2022 Surge In COVID Cases: Omicron Study, Probability Of Red Alert In Delhi
How To Protect From Omicron Variant
Although many studies have termed it as mild, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned against dismissing it as “mild”. The fact that it’s highly transmissible means it can infect a large number of people, which can easily overwhelm the healthcare system. Hence, one must follow all the COVID-appropriate behaviour such as:
- Wear a mask
- Practise social distancing
- Get vaccinated
- Make sure you live in a well-ventilated space
- Clean your hands frequently
- Cough and sneeze carefully
Other than these, boosters have been highly effective against Omicron. Hence, if eligible, get yourself boosted. The Indian government has announced booster doses for healthcare and frontline workers starting from January 10. Those over the age of 60 and with co-morbidities can also get the third jab from January 10 onwards. From Monday onwards, vaccination has also been opened for the kids and all those between the ages of 15 and 18 can get vaccinated at their nearest vaccination centres.
Meanwhile, the Omicron tally in India has reached 1,700. With 510 cases, Maharashtra has the highest Omicron caseload in the country. It’s followed by Delhi (351), Kerala (156), and Gujarat (136). With 33,750 cases recorded on Monday, the country’s total COVID cases have topped 34.9 million. As many as 481,893 people have died of the disease.
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