HYDERABAD: Covid-19 patients affected by the Omicron variant might be having milder symptoms, but some are facing issues even days after testing negative.
Patients are complaining of having long-lasting symptoms such as fatigue, dry cough, body ache even after ‘recovery’. “I tested negative for Covid-19 a few days ago, yet I feel very weak and have a dry cough. I am unable to resume work and carry out day to day activities,” said Vidya Dev, a resident of Madhapur.
In most cases, people suffering from Omicron are recovering within five to seven days. Some of those who have recovered are also complaining of persistent headache, joint pain, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, among other issues. Doctors fear that even mild cases of Covid-19 can trigger ‘long Covid-19’, which means long lasting residual symptoms of the virus.
“In addition to weakness and dry cough, there are a lot of patients that are complaining of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, occasional lose motions, cramps in the abdomen, loss of appetite. These are side-effects of the virus,” said Dr Sanjeev Singh, a proctologist, who is also the national secretary for the Indian Medical Association’s Academy of Medical Specialities.
In some cases, doctors have observed neurological symptoms post-recovery. “Lot of people are complaining of brain fog syndrome, insomnia, anxiety, forgetfulness and are not as swift in completing tasks due to enormous fatigue. The new variant enters the spinal fluid and crawls up to the brain, resulting in an inflammatory response, which is a lingering effect,” said Dr Guru N Reddy, chairman and managing director of Continental Hospitals. Doctors have advised people to be careful as complications from Omicron are yet to be ascertained.
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