A new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called Omicron is considered the most infectious of the mutations known so far. At the same time, data from various countries show that it causes a slightly milder and shorter course of the disease. In view of this, should the strictures be abandoned? On the contrary. It is still worth doing everything to avoid infection.
Omicron, called a super-variant of coronavirus, has dominated Europe. In Western countries, several hundred thousand SARS-CoV-2 infections are recorded each day. It’s difficult to say exactly how many percent of all patients are Omicron patients – data provided by the Ministry of Health say more than 20 percent, but in practice it could be considerably more. Why? Because only one in 100 samples is sequenced.
It is increasingly being heard that Omicron is harmless, causes lighter symptoms compared to, for example, the Delta variant, and the duration of the disease caused by it will be much shorter. Unfortunately, not in every case Omicron is just a runny nose. Therefore, one should still do everything to avoid infection.
Also check out the latest post: Covid-19 – what are the most common symptoms of the new Omicron BA.5 subvariant?
How to protect yourself from Omicron infection?
How to protect yourself from Omicron? This variant of coronavirus is the most infectious known so far – it spreads extremely easily – so even more emphasis should be placed on avoiding large concentrations of people, keeping social distance, wearing protective masks in confined spaces and disinfection. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly when you get home, use disinfectant gels and respond if you experience cold-like symptoms.
It is also important to take all doses of the protective vaccine – one or two core vaccines and a booster. In the case of Omicron, it is already known that vaccination is less protective against infection and the onset of disease symptoms than the first variants of SARS-CoV-2, but it does a good job of protecting against a severe course and reducing the risk of death. Hence, it is worth getting vaccinated especially if you belong to a high-risk group (people 65 years of age or older, people with asthma, chronic lung disease, serious heart disease, diabetes, severe obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, undergoing dialysis, or who are immunocompromised).
Flu season is in full swing. Cases of influenza and coronavirus co-infection are known. Flurona (influenza) poses a serious threat to life.
It is worth taking the flu vaccine as well to minimize the likelihood of contracting both diseases at the same time.
Omicron – symptoms
What symptoms does Omicron give? Very often it looks like an ordinary cold. It begins with scratching in the throat, headache and muscle pain, runny nose, weakness and generalized malaise. Symptoms of the disease also include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, and disturbance of the senses of smell and taste. As a result, the infection can be very easily mistaken for another infection.
The only way to confirm whether you have actually been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus is to take a test. Whenever a patient experiences the symptoms mentioned above, he or she should sign up for the test. This way, in case of a positive result, you know that you should undergo isolation and what treatment can be administered.
Treatment of coronavirus
As for treatment options, coronavirus, regardless of the variant, is treated symptomatically. It is a viral infection and not a bacterial one, so antibiotics are not used. Most often, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol preparations in case of fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius, cough suppressants for severe cough that makes it difficult to speak and sleep, nasal mucous membrane lubrication, drops to reduce runny nose and, in case of diarrhea, also anti-diarrheal drugs. Adequate hydration, a balanced diet and rest are also important.
If you experience worrisome symptoms such as breathing problems, pain or tightness in the chest, a sustained fever above 39 degrees Celsius, a drop in blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg, or an increased cough that makes it difficult to function, you should consult a doctor. This is because omicron can lead to serious complications, just like any other known coronavirus variant.
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