Health officials estimate that more than half of all new Covid-19 cases in Ireland are due to the Omicron variant.
New restrictions came into force on Monday, which the Government hopes will slow the spread.
Experts have now revealed that the symptoms of the new coronavirus variant are different from the other known variants, such as Delta, which was previously dominant in Ireland.
A recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that 89% of those infected with Omicron all share the same "initial" sign of being infected by the variant.
Scientists have reported that those who have tested positive with the variant have a dry cough and "scratchy throat". Some of the other early symptoms include include fatigue, congestion or a runny nose.
What are the main symptoms of Covid?
The most common symptoms of Covid are a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss/change in sense of taste or smell, according to the HSE.
However, scientists believe that symptoms of Omicron are different to other variants.
South African doctor Angelique Coetzee, who first raised the alarm on Omicron, revealed previously that some patients – especially those who are unvaccinated – show some intense symptoms including headache and sore muscles (myalgia).
Though the symptoms of the Omicron variant has been found to be more mild so far, there are fears that it is more transmissible as well as concerns about whether it can evade immunity from vaccines or previous infection
What to do if you think you have Covid?
If you believe you Covid, whether that’s Omicron or another variant, get a test and self-isolate.
Officials say the first thing to do if you find yourself having Covid symptoms is stay at home. The advice reads: "You should arrange to have a PCR test as soon as possible. If this PCR test result is positive, you must continue to self-isolate."
You can get PCR tests booked through the HSE.
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