The Omicron wave has introduced the world to a new set of symptoms to watch out for, and some of them require urgent medical attention.
In the past, the three main Covid symptoms to look out for included a new and persistent cough, a fever and a shortness of breath.
194,747 new Covid cases were reported in the UK by Public Heath on January 5 - a very real reminder that everyone needs to be on the lookout for warning signs and symptoms of Covid.
Now a leading health agency has identified a new symptom that is being described as an "emergency warning sign".
What new Omicron symptom do you need to look out for?
The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that people should be on the lookout for a new sense of confusion.
The CDC say that people feeling this new found sense of confusion should “seek medical care immediately”.
The ZOE COVID Symptom Study app, which was launched by health science company ZOE and King's College London, has also reported new confusion as a possible symptom.
The app comprises over 4 million users data, making it “the world’s largest ongoing study". Millions have now experienced mental disruption as a symptom of Covid, the Express reports.
The confusion is often called delirium and can cause a change in your normal behaviour and can come in two types: hyperactive or hypoactive delirium.
How do you spot new confusion?
Abrupt changes to the way people act, where they may begin to act strangely, is described as hyperactive delirium.
This can involve distress, aggression and agitation.
Meanwhile, hypoactive delirium is harder to spot and can make people less reactive than usual — and even drowsy.
The symptom has been found more commonly in older people suffering with the virus, according to ZOE.
The Express reports that of people aged 16 to 65 who have tested positive recently, 15% have reported delirium, while of those aged 65 or over — around 20% people have experienced it.
This is of course not the only symptom people need to be aware of, however, it is important that people know what this newly found sign could mean.
The process of understanding Omicron is still ongoing.
Also, the public should be aware that delirium could also be a sign of a number of other medical conditions.
As such it is advised you take a Covid test as quickly as possible and head to NHS website for more information on the symptom.
The widely found symptoms of Omicron, according to research from South Africa are:
- Scratchy throat
- Mild muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Night sweats
