Omicron, also known as B.1.1.529 is a variant of concern as cited by the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution. Studies suggested that it is not yet clear that Omicron can easily spread from one person to another than other variants. This variant rapidly emerged in the areas of South Africa and later spread worldwide. A large number of people testing positive is what worries researchers the most.
Symptoms of Omicron variant of COVID-19
The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Congestion
- Runny nose
Although the symptoms of Omicron are believed to be milder than that of Delta, the rising cases raise the concern over the third wave of coronavirus. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly; all you can do is follow COVID guidelines, and vaccination is vital to reduce any risk of infection.
How long do COVID symptoms take to show?
If you are regularly going out and not following COVID guidelines, you will get easily infected. Once infected, you will start showing symptoms within 14 days. In the case of Omicron, the symptoms can show between 3 and 14 days of infection. According to reports, Omicron symptoms do not appear faster than other variants.
Testing of Omicron
Is Rapid Antigen Test Accurate? Let’s find out!
Rapid tests can show higher fast positive results. If you started showing symptoms of COVID-19 and did a rapid antigen test that shows a negative result, you should confirm your result with an RT-PCR. It is vital to do an RT-PCR test because rapid antigen tests can miss half of COVID symptoms, and its negative report doesn’t clarify that you have COVID.
Apart from that, if you have had contact with someone you now know was infected and experiencing any symptoms, you should get your tests done immediately. Make sure you will be quarantined until you test. If you don’t show any symptoms after the contact occurs, wait for at least five days for the test.
One question that will definitely pop in your head is it necessary to get an immediate appointment for the test or not? Well, it will depend on the situation. If you are high-risk and unvaccinated, an immediate test appointment is necessary. Make sure you isolate yourself until your result is out. If you are not at high-risk, you can take the available slot and wait for your turn.
If you want to know, you are suffering from an Omicron variant; you will know it by S gene dropout on the RT-PCR. It is vital to understand that the presence of the S gene doesn’t mean that this is not Omicron. On the other hand, if you have suffered from Omicron and your isolation is over, there is no need to re-test. RT-PCRs can stay positive for up to 1-2 months, but the virus doesn’t transmit after 10 days. If work/travel doesn’t demand, it is unnecessary to do RT-PCRs after your isolation period.
If your kid is infected, it would help to limit his movement to a well-ventilated room. Anyone that enters the room should wear a mask and sanitize their hands. Children tend to have symptoms that are mild, lasting 2-3 days which is usually colds/fever. Contact your pediatricians to begin the treatment and the treatment should be symptom-based.
Treatment of Omicron
If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, you should take symptom-based treatment. Generally, Paracetamol for fever, antihistamines for nasal congestion, and inhaled corticosteroids for cough are prescribed, but other drugs are also prescribed in many cases.
Different drugs and their effects:
- Antibody Cocktail: As we all know, the Omicron variant is the major variant currently, but the antibody cocktails that are available in India do not work against Omicron. Countries that are facing Omicron variant issues discontinued antibody cocktails.
- Fluvoxamine: It is an antidepressant drug with a favorable safety profile. According to Brazil’s test reports, the results are promising when used in unvaccinated individuals.
- Molnupiravir: This drug has a limited effect when used in unvaccinated high-risk individuals. But if it has any role in vaccinated individuals is not justified yet. It has no significant effects on patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Different drugs are widely prescribed for COVID in India:
- Azithromycin
- Ivermectin
- Favipiravir
- Doxycycline
- Vitamin C & D
- Itolizumab
- Lopinavir-Ritonavir
- Coronil and other herbal medications
These drugs should not be used in COVID treatment. Make sure to take drugs that are effective for your health. You don’t need to get hospitalized because COVID can also be managed at home easily.
Final Words
Do not panic if you test positive for COVID-19 because most people will recover completely. Try to stay at your home, drink plenty of fluids, and wear a mask that properly covers your face.
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