Coronavirus symptom: Body pain in THIS area could be a sign of COVID's Omicron variant

In November 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated COVID's Omicron variant as a 'variant of concern' (VoC), which meant that the SARs-CoV-2 strain was highly transmissible, with a higher fatality rate.

Over time, experts realized that while the new variant was extremely contagious, it was much milder than the previous COVID-19 variants including the Delta.

However, over seven months have passed since the news of the Omicron variant came to the fore and up until today, it is still dominant in many parts of the world. With new subvariants emerging every now and then, scientists and experts have warned people against taking the variant lightly.

Recently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared new Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 as dominant, the former accounting for nearly 16% of recent cases in the country and the latter a whopping 54% of new cases.

Furthermore, a new subvariant of Omicron has come to light in recent time, called BA.2.75, which is nicknamed Centaurus and was first detected in India in early May, according to a media report.

Amid new emerging variants, experts have highlighted another symptom - a specific pain - that could be an indicator of the Omicron variant. Let's find out what it is

Also read: A sexual health worker shares his experience of Monkeypox: “I felt alone and the pain was unbearable”

According to the Zoe COVID Symptom Study, back pain is amongst the top 20 symptoms of COVID's Omicron variant. Prof. Tim Spector, head of the symptoms study app claims that about one in five people with Omicron have back pain.

Although there is no particular cause behind why people with COVID-19 experience the symptom, it is believed that the pain can be enfeebling and may limit mobility.

Experts at VaccinesWork reveal, "Data from South Africa where the variant was first identified suggested that people who get Omicron often develop two sets of symptoms – a sore throat, nasal congestion, and a cough – and also muscle pain, especially low back pain."

“This back pain has been described by some as intense period cramps, kidney stones or muscle spasms," the health body explains.

But does having back pain necessarily mean you have COVID... Not really!

Other than COVID-19, back pain can be caused by several other health issues.

According to Mayo Clinic, muscle and ligament strain, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other factors like age, inactivity, obesity, improper lifting of weights can all lead to back ache.

So how to tell if you have back pain associated with Omicron or other reasons? Experts advice on watching out for other tell-tale signs such as sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue and other respiratory symptoms.

With an Omicron infection, mild illness is more prevalent. However, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, low oxygen levels and other serious complications, call your doctor immediately.

Besides keeping a tab of your COVID-19 symptoms, taking a SARs-CoV-2 test can give you accurate results.

If you want prompt results, resort to a rapid antigen test. However, if you're looking for a more reliable result, RT PCR is the best diagnostic test for the same.

Ensure that you maintain distance from other people, especially those who are vulnerable, until you receive a negative test report.

Masks are still very effective in curbing disease spread. With highly infectious variants and subvariants circulating amongst us, it is best to cover your mouth and nose with face masks and also maintain proper distance from others.

Get yourself vaccinated or boosted, if you're eligible.