Coronavirus: Two new Omicron symptoms that have come to light

The rapid surge in the number of Omicron cases has become a major source of concern. Several countries have been impacted and health officials around the world have urged people to take all necessary precautions. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the new COVID variant continues to pose 'very high' risk to the general population and could overwhelm healthcare systems.

Also See: Coronavirus: Could Omicron variant act as a 'natural vaccine'? We try to find out

In light of such chaos, scientists and medical professionals are closely observing the new variant and keeping an eye out for any new developments. While most symptoms associated with the new COVID variants remain to be the same, there have been some new ailments reported in those infected with the Omicron, even in the fully vaccinated.

Read also: Coronavirus: One Omicron symptom that appears on your skin

As of now, the Omicron variant has been associated with mild infections, which has resulted in a number of symptoms resembling common cold.

Having headaches, a sore throat, a runny nose, feeling fatigued and frequent sneezing may all feel like a regular cold or a flu. However, Professor Tim Spector, Head of UK's ZOE Covid study app, urges everyone suffering with cold-like symptoms to get tested immediately.

Additionally, he highlighted that symptoms like fever, cough and loss of smell are now in the "minority of symptoms".

“Most people don’t have classic symptoms," he said.

That said, some of the most common symptoms reported in Omicron-infected people so far are mild fever, fatigue, scratchy throat, body pain and night sweats, without any sign of impaired sense of smell and taste.

While Omicron symptoms may appear to be 'mild' and harmless, do not let your guards down yet. The rate of transmissibility is extraordinarily high in Omicron infections and in several countries the new variant has become the most dominant strain. Health officials and experts have urged people to remain cautious and warned against mistaking mild symptoms for a regular cold or flu.

While coronavirus vaccines and booster shots are the only silver bullet against the virus and its variants, breakthrough infections are a possibility.

During the second wave of COVID-19, apart from the unvaccinated individuals, many fully vaccinated people were also infected and developed mild to moderate symptoms. This was evidence that even though the vaccinated population is safe from severe infections, they can still contract the virus.

Read also: COVID symptoms: Four symptoms of Omicron that are different from Delta

According to Professor Spector, Omicron variant is as prevalent in unvaccinated as in vaccinated. However, the latter are more likely to report milder symptoms. “Quite a few of them had nausea, slight temperature, sore throats and headaches,” he said.

The ZOE Covid study app has recently listed down two of the most unusual Omicron symptoms that you probably haven't heard of yet.

- Vomiting

- Loss of appetite

The head of the study app, Spector said that these two symptoms have been prevalent in double jabbed people and those who have received their booster shots.

After analyzing thousands of COVID-19 cases, the app found that runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throats were common COVID-19 symptoms at the time when omicron began to emerge.

That said, if you fall ill and develop any of the abovementioned symptoms, get yourself tested as soon as possible. Remember to isolate yourself until the results come out as 'negative'.

The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention recommends isolating for at least 10 days after symptoms onset.

Those of you who have contracted the virus earlier must not let their guards down. Even if you have some amount of natural immunity from previous infection, Omicron reinfection is a possibility, as per WHO report.

"Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron as compared to other variants of concern, but information is limited," the global health agency has said.

Having said that, it is important to follow a COVID-appropriate behavior, wear your masks and continue practicing social distancing.

During such critical times, when the Omicron is spreading like wildfire, focus on preventing the disease. It is important that you take all necessary steps to stay on guard. Wear your masks regularly, maintain proper hand hygiene, do not mingle with crowds and watch out for any of the above mentioned symptoms.