Make an Appointment
Some people believe that the new variant of covid is not very deadly. Some think that it could be harmful. In a very short time, the highly infectious Omicron COVID-19 variant has suspended many aspects of our lives. Studies have shown that Omicron has recorded milder illness in many people.
What are the symptoms of Omicron? How dangerous is Omicron?
All of the variants, including Delta and Omicron, cause similar symptoms. Experts say that symptoms might include cough, fever and fatigue. As far as the threat of this virus is concerned Omicron is less likely to cause severe diseases such as pneumonia that may require hospital admission. Studies have shown that Omicron symptoms are about the same, but a person’s experience may vary greatly depending on whether they’re vaccinated.
In those that are fully vaccinated and boosted, symptoms tend to be mild. In contrast, if an individual is unvaccinated, symptoms can be quite severe, resulting in hospitalization or even death. She added that there is some evidence that fewer people infected with Omicron are experiencing a loss of taste and smell, a common symptom for previous variants. The viral load is much higher in Omicron, which means that someone infected with the Omicron variant is more infectious than someone infected with the Delta variant.
If your illness progresses, you’ll want to know so you can take advantage of treatments. You need to know whether to isolate so you can reduce your chances of infecting others, especially those who are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19. You will want to notify your loved ones and contacts so they can monitor themselves for symptoms. We all have a personal responsibility to reduce the risk to others, especially the more vulnerable among us. Omicron is less likely to cause severe diseases such as pneumonia that may require hospital admission.
Omicron is so transmissible that even fully vaccinated and boosted individuals may get infected. You can get reinfected after having COVID-19, although it is less common in the first 90 days after infection. It is observed that vaccines are not entirely effective and breakthrough infections may occur. If you’ve had COVID-19 and are then vaccinated, this decreases your chance of reinfection by about half. Vaccine protection wanes over time. This is something we expected to occur with vaccinated individuals; hence boosters are important, particularly for front-line workers and those at higher risk of complications, such as those with diabetes and respiratory illnesses.”
Most Omicron infections have occurred in relatively young, healthy people. In people over 65 or those who are immunocompromised, there is a concern that they may be at higher risk for severe disease. It is advised to them to take all available precautions, including vaccination with boosters and masking. Omicron is highly transmissible compared to Delta. Someone infected with the Omicron variant is more infectious than someone infected with the Delta variant. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems should take special care. We all have a personal responsibility to reduce the risk to others.
Omicron is incredibly infectious. Everyone should be masking when indoors around anyone not in their household, as well as in crowded areas outdoors where it is impossible to socially distance, like sporting events. Several studies have indicated how effective masks can be in protecting yourself and others. It is important to cover both the mouth and nose, as COVID-19 can be found in the nose, mouth and throat.
