Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National

Doctors warn of new symptom in kids with Omicron

A doctor has warned parents to be aware of an unusual symptom children with Omicron are now developing.

Young children infected with the latest COVID variant are also presenting with rashes, a London doctor says.

They also are suffering from fatigue, headaches and a loss of appetite - all symptoms which fit with Omicron in adults.

Dr David Lloyd says about 15 per cent of Omicron-positive children he's seen have developed a rash similar to a heat rash.

"We've always had a small cohort of patients with COVID who are getting funny rashes, but up to 15 per cent of the Omicron children are getting an unusual rash," Dr Lloyd said.

"So we're starting to learn a little bit more about the virus and we are starting to look out for it."

Traditionally, the three main symptoms of COVID-19 have been a persistent cough, a high temperature and a loss of taste and smell.

In South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first detected, medical professionals have now said the main symptoms are fatigue, body aches and a headache.

Meanwhile, an emergency national cabinet meeting will be held on Thursday, seeking country-wide consistency on close contact definitions and isolation periods.

Rapid antigen tests - and the crucial question of who pays for them - are also expected to be on the agenda as a number of states and territories join NSW in reporting record-high daily case numbers as the Omicron variant takes hold around the country.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.