We have been in the COVID-19 arises and Omicron is not done with us yet. Cases are still on the rise in many areas of the country and millions of people are experiencing flu-like symptom—or something much worse. Whether you’ve been exposed to someone with Omicron or you’re not feeling well, experts reveal what it feels like to have the virus and what symptoms to watch out for. Eat this, not that! Health spoke with doctors who explained what you need to know about Omicron. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Dr Eva Beaulieuboard-certified internal medicine hospitalist says: “Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to: fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, shortness of breath, headache, vomiting, and/or diarrhea , change or loss of taste and small, and tiredness.
Dr. Yasmin Akhunji, a board certified endocrinologist with pigeon health adds, The most common signs and symptoms of Omicron are cough, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, headache and muscle aches. Sore throat has been identified as a hallmark symptom of this variant. This symptom can cause sharp pain when swallowing and come on before most other COVID symptoms that we have classically heard of in the past.”
Of course, you may experience more severe symptoms, especially if you are not vaccinated. “People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild or severe symptoms. people with these symptoms may have COVID-19,” the CDC says:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Throat pain
- stuffy or runny nose
- nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
dr Akhunji explains, “I have now seen many patients in the clinic a year after they were originally contacted with COVID-19. The pulmonary and neurological impact that it has as a carry-over effect is terrible. With this new variant, although short-lived in comparison, it is highly contagious. Brain fog is no joke, and although people feel the symptoms are short-lived, we are finding that some have long-term neurological deficits. Why take the risk? Keep yourself and yourself safe your loved ones”.
Dr. Beaulieu states, “Most people will complain of a runny nose, headache, sore throat, sneezing, and fatigue.”
RELATED: 5-second changes that lengthen your life
According to Dr. Beaulieu, “While everyone should take preventive measures to protect themselves and others, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, getting vaccinated, washing hands, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces, some groups of people are at higher risk for serious illness if they become infected. This includes older adults, people with medical conditions, and people who are pregnant.”
RELATED: Over 60? Don’t make these fatal mistakes
“We are still learning about how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta, the likelihood that Omicron infections could lead to serious outcomes, and the likelihood of advanced infections occurring in those who are fully vaccinated,” says Dr. Beaulieu. “All the more reason to continue using the arsenal of tools available to us like masks, vaccinations, and social distancing while we learn more!”
RELATED: Virus expert just issued this ‘getting worse’ warning
Dr. Sean Zager, a board certified family physician with pigeon health Explain, “With almost every health issue a patient asks me about, I always start with the four pillars of health: sleep, stress management, exercise, and nutrition. Those are just basic ways to help support our immune system, so so if we come into contact with a variant of COVID, we may not get it or be just as susceptible to getting sick from it. Beyond that, I would think about other natural remedies for care. Vitamin D supplementation is good for immune health, especially for patients with autoimmune challenges. Zinc and vitamin C are good. For immune health, I’m also a big fan of herbs like echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus.”
RELATED: I’m a doctor and this is the number 1 sign that you have dementia
Follow the basics of public health and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live: get vaccinated or get well as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 facial maskdo not travel, maintain social distance, avoid large crowds, do not go indoors with people you are not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, do not don’t visit any of these 35 places where you are most likely to get COVID.
