What is OMICRON? Symptoms of Omicron infections

A new variant of the SARS - CoV - 2 virus: B.1.1.529 was recently detected in South Africa on 8 November 2021. This variant was reported to the WHO on 24 November 2021 and on 26 November 2021. Omicron is designated as a variant of concern (VOC). The WHO has named this variant Omicron. Despite it being a relatively new strain, it has raised concerns among scientists. 1 This virus has shown several mutations. These are believed to alter the way it behaves and the severity of the illness it causes. Here is a summary of what is currently known about this virus.
Researchers in South Africa are conducting studies from other parts of the world. The aim is to uncover the various aspects of the Omicron variant. However, based on preliminary evidence, it has been shown that the Omicron variant has several spike protein mutations. This feature sets it apart from the other existing variants.
Some of these mutations are associated with concerning characteristics, including an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron. While the rates of reinfection with Omicron are believed to be higher when compared to the other variants, there is limited information on this aspect.
More information on this aspect will be made available in the coming weeks, which will aid in a better understanding of the virus.
Symptoms of Omicron infections
Doctors in South Africa who first raised the alarm over this strain have described the COVID symptoms associated with this virus to be ‘extremely mild.’ Some of the commonly observed symptoms are :
Dry coughs
Fever
Night sweats
Body aches and pain
Mild headache
Scratchy throat
Extreme fatigue
The patients affected so far have been in their 20s and 30s, and this age group is typically associated with milder COVID - 19 symptoms in any case. However, the South African doctors have warned that older people who get infected by this variant could develop more severe symptoms.
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Disclaimer: The contents in the video are with reference to expert views, guidelines, and updates issued by WHO. (as of 30th Nov'21). The video is purely published in the public interest.
Consult your healthcare professional in case of any symptoms.