Three new symptoms of Omicron variant appeared

Although those infected with the Omicron variant of the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) mostly survive the disease more easily than other variants, the increase in the number increases the pressure on health units. Concern remains, especially for those who are unvaccinated and at high risk.

Patients infected with the Omicron variant show different symptoms. Although many patients complain of mild cold-like symptoms, some experience severe symptoms. Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations have explained the symptoms and the reasons behind them.

WHO’s infectious disease expert, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said people infected with Omicron can show dozens of symptoms. “We know that, on average, there is a lower risk of hospitalization if you become infected with Omicron compared to Delta, but that doesn’t mean it’s a mild illness,” Van Kerkhove said during a Live Q&A session on Covid-19 and Omicron.

New Symptoms of Omicron

Most Omicron patients report cold-like symptoms such as sore throat, severe body aches, fatigue, severe headache. The ZOE COVID Study application, run by King’s College of London in the UK, collects user notifications about symptoms.

According to data from the ZOE application, reports of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal pain have increased recently in Omicron patients. On the other hand, infected people reported less of the three classic Covid-19 symptoms, cough, fever and loss of smell.

Experts said that because of this wide range of symptoms, it has become more difficult to diagnose the disease.