After Omicron emerged in South Africa last November, experts have quickly found that symptoms of this high transmissible Covid variant is different from what the world is used to.
The three main symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, new or persistent cough, loss/change to sense of smell or taste, according to the NHS. However, Omicron symptoms have been presenting differently.
Symptoms of Omicron have been widely reported as "mild" and similar to a common cold. While many of the symptoms are found to effect your nose, throat and head, two new signs connected to the new variant have emerged. Here's what you need to know.
What are the new Omicron symptoms?
One of the signs being reported at the beginning stage of the Omicron Covid variant is nausea, according to Professor Tim Spector of the ZOE Covid study.
A doctor from India, Dr Sanket Jain, also said his patients are experiencing "loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting," with PCR tests revealing they are Covid positive.
Another unusual but common Omicron symptom noted in the early stages of infection is lower back pain, as revealed by data from the UK, US and South Africa. Other muscle aches have also been reported alongside the lower back pain.
What are the main symptoms of Omicron?
One of the most common symptoms of Omicron Covid has been found to be a dry/scratchy throat. Other symptoms according to the ZOE app are:
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Runny nose
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Sneezing
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Mild muscle aches
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Fatigue
Other signs of the variant include congestion, brain fog, skin rashes and even sore eyes in some patients. More recently people have reported experiencing sleep paralysis and night sweats have being infected as well.
The CDC also warned about one symptom of the virus that requires urgent medical attention, asking people to watch out for pale, grey or blue-coloured skin, lips or nail beds, which could indicate low levels of oxygen in the blood.
Dr Anqelique Coetzee, who first raised the alarm on the new variant, has previously spoken about unvaccinated people experiencing certain symptoms like headaches and sore muscles more intensely as well.
What to do if you have symptoms of Covid?
If you believe you're experiencing any symptoms of Covid, both the government and NHS advise you should self-isolate and get a PCR test immediately.
You should self isolate right away if:
- you've tested positive for Covid via LFT or PCR as this means you have the virus
- someone you live with has symptoms or tested positive, though you might not need to in some instances
- you've been told to self-isolate following contact with someone who tested positive
Rules in England will change from Tuesday, January 11, onwards and if you test positive on a lateral flow test (LFT) but have no symptoms, then you will no longer need a follow-up PCR test.
