With the COVID situation stabilizing and the authorities withdrawing the restrictions, people have started returning to normal life. However, it should be noted that COVID is not over yet and with many types of spread, including recombinant strains, the possibility of catching the virus again cannot be ignored. So, if you are suffering from cold-like symptoms, do not take it too lightly, as it could be a micron.
It’s worth noting here, experts have reported, that patients who catch Omicron usually report flu-like symptoms, either because of their immunization status or because of immunity acquired from previous infections. And, the common belief that the Omicron version is lighter may be a ‘myth’.
8 micron symptoms that are similar to a cold or flu…
Cough, runny nose, tiredness, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fever and sneezing – these are the 8 omicron symptoms that are flu-like. According to a study published in the journal Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, cited by the Independent, people who have been vaccinated may suffer from these 8 flu-like symptoms if they catch Omicron.
The study also noted that cough, runny nose and fatigue were among the most common symptoms in vaccinated individuals while sneezing and fever were the least common.
How to differentiate symptoms?
The best way to understand the difference is through the severity of the symptoms. If it is cold, you may feel mild discomfort in your throat, whereas for COVID, you may suffer from other symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, gastrointestinal symptoms and loss of smell and taste. These symptoms are unlikely to occur if you only have a cold.
Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incubation time for COVID-19 ranges from 1-14 days, which is usually around 5 days. For Omicron, experts say it is shorter i.e. 3 days. However, for the common cold, it is usually between 1 and 3 days.
How To Know If It’s Omicron Or The Flu?
If you are suffering from these symptoms, you should get yourself tested, or self-isolate until symptoms persist. This will only help stop the spread. According to the UK’s ZOE Symptom Study app, here are the symptoms that may indicate the presence of omicrons in the body.
download
The app will get 14 days of unlimited access to Mint Premium absolutely free!