Omicron: GP explains ‘overwhelming’ science behind vaccines
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The Covid cases in the UK have been declining steadily, with 66,638 new infections confirmed for yesterday. Even though Omicron is thought to be milder compared to its predecessors, it’s also characterised by a high transmissibility rate. Being able to spot the warning signs of the new strain can help protect others and reduce the spread.
Only half of the people infected with the Omicron variant experience the “classic” coronavirus symptoms, according to ZOE COVID Study app.
This app has been collecting information about self-reported symptoms from people who tested positive for the Omicron variant.
The three classic symptoms were singled out as a new, continuous cough, fever and loss or change to a person’s sense of taste and/or smell.
The one sign that is becoming less prevalent seems to be the loss of smell and taste, according to their data.
However, the Omicron wave has been characterised by the emergence of new symptoms.
And although the Covid vaccines are effective and reduce the risk of severe illness, even vaccinated patients can still get infected.
Now, the most “common” symptoms of Omicron have been revealed, including signs seen in fully vaccinated.
Professor Tim Spector, the co-founder of the ZOE app, said: “Cold-like symptoms – including a runny nose, sore throat and persistent sneezing – became more common, along with a headache and cough, particularly in people who had been vaccinated.
“It’s causing symptoms that are much more like a regular cold, particularly in people who’ve been vaccinated, and fewer general systemic symptoms, such as nausea, muscle pains, diarrhoea and skin rashes.”
The full list of symptoms seen in the fully jabbed patients includes:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat (scratchy throat)
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Cough
- Nausea
- Muscle pains
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rash
Fully vaccinated patients include those who have had at least two jabs.
The first person to point to the Omicron symptoms appearing in those with immunisation was South African doctor Angelique Coetzee.
She described headaches and muscle aches as symptoms appearing in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.
However, she added: “Vaccinated people [tend to] even recover quicker than unvaccinated people.
“Unvaccinated patients seem to experience the severity of the myalgia [muscle aches] and headache more intense than our vaccinated patients.”
She also urged people to go get tested even if they wake up with only a “slight” headache and are not feeling well.
Speaking to Sky News, she said: “Please, come and let us double-check.”
The UK’s guidance is to self-isolate “straight away” if you have any of Covid symptoms.
They also advise getting a PCR test as soon as possible, according to the NHS.
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