Omicron is now the dominant variant of Covid 19 in Ireland while the rest of the Europe is also seeing massive case surges.
And the highly transmissible variant has been throwing up a range of symptoms that haven't been seen in previous waves.
While the Delta variant, and those that came before it, were easier to identify with symptoms including a new and continuous cough, a fever and a loss of taste or smell, Omicron has proven to blend in far better. It's been found to blend in with symptoms of seasonal illnesses from the flu and colds, to a grimy winter lurgy.
It's also come with new anxieties. Fears still linger about its high transmission rate and ability to avoid the first two vaccine doses for many.
Now though, the US-based Center for Disease Control, or CDC, say that people with Covid can have “a wide range of symptoms”.
In reality, this wide range can be everything from a slightly blocked nose to breathing difficulties requiring immediate medical attention. So, it is vital people are as well versed as possible when it comes to spotting the symptoms and taking tests as early as possible.
One such symptom may be a little different to any others and is centred around your activities in the lavatory.
Is diarrhoea an Omicron symptom?
If when you pop to the bathroom you find you have diarrhoea, it could well be a sign that you've caught Omicron, the CDC said.
NBC Chicago notes that people with compromised immune systems are the most likely to experience diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
These might be people recovering from Covid, although John Hopkins Medicine notes that around 20% are likely to experience diarrhoea as a symptom shortly after catching the virus.
This is, of course, not the only symptom with others such as fatigue, breathing trouble, muscle and body aches, a headache or sore throat all also common symptoms.
Diarrhoea is also not necessarily a symptom of Covid as many medical conditions feature it as a symptom.
What are the symptoms of Omicron?
At the time of writing, the CDC lists the following symptoms as those associated with Omicron:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
The HSE currently advises If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild:
Do these even if you have completed your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, had a booster, or had a postive PCR test result in the past.
If you have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk of severe disease, contact your GP.
You can leave isolation for medical attention or avoid harm in cases like domestic abuse.
