Omicron and its sub-variants, particularly BF.7, are thought to be the primary cause of the current surge in Covid-19 infections in China, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Omicron variants are more contagious than the Delta variant and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Even if the number of Covid-19 cases in India are decreasing, the virus’ ever-evolving strains make it challenging for individuals to identify its signs and symptoms. The main symptoms of coronavirus in the past included difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, and high fever. However, as per reports, these signs have changed now. Let’s find out the new Covid-19 symptoms so that you can be aware and take precautions.

Covid-19 symptoms in the first wave

The symptoms of the first wave of Covid-19 were slightly different from the ones emerging now with the new subvariants.

“It may take up to 2 to 14 days for the prior Covid-19 effects to manifest after exposure. Fever, light-headedness, shortness of breath, headache, dry cough, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, and a loss of taste and smell were some of its symptoms. In many cases, diarrhoea and fatigue were also symptoms of Covid-19,” Dr Laxman Jessani, Consultant, Infectious disease Specialist at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, told Health Shots.

This list of symptoms is not complete. Symptoms may vary from children to adults to elders and the severity of Covid-19 symptoms may range from mild to severe.

What are the new Covid-19 symptoms?

Since tracking Omicron and its variants are quite confusing and overwhelming, you need to pay more attention to it. “Among all Covid variants, an Omicron mutant possesses one of the highest transmissibility. According to studies, this mutant has a R0 value of about 10-18.6, meaning that each person infected with it has a chance of infecting 10-18.6 people nearby, according to Dr Vikrant Shah, a consulting doctor, intensivist, and infectious disease specialist at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai.

In the first wave of Covid-19, common symptoms included loss of smell and taste, a high fever, and shortness of breath. Now, the symptoms of Covid-19 have changed. The following are the typical symptoms of the new Omicron subvariants:

• Fever with a dry cough
• Respiratory tract infection with a runny nose
• Uncomfortable sore throat muscles
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Husky voice
• Sneezing/Headache

Dr Shah says, “Omicron and its sub-variants tend to induce more upper respiratory symptoms than older variations like Delta, which damages the lungs. Congestion, a sore throat, and changes in taste and smell can be some of the examples of these symptoms.”

What is Myalgia?

Aside from the aforementioned Covid-19 symptoms, myalgia is one of the top and most common symptoms of Covid-19. The term “myalgia,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is used to characterize joint and muscle discomfort. Nearly every Covid-19 patient has reported this problem.

Is the long-term effect of Covid-19 still a concern?

“Most persons who have coronavirus (Covid-19) start feeling better a few days or weeks after they start showing symptoms and recover completely in 12 weeks. Some people’s symptoms may last for longer,” says Dr Aniket Mule, consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. This is referred to as post-Covid-19 syndrome or extended Covid.

Recovery following a lengthy Covid varies. Some symptoms go away right quickly, while some linger. In fact, it doesn’t seem to matter how ill you are when you first contract Covid-19 whether you’ll experience long-lasting symptoms or not. Even individuals who have mild symptoms run the risk of developing persistent issues.

What if someone is still not vaccinated against Covid-19?

Anyone who hasn’t had a vaccination or has a compromised immune system, such as the elderly and small children, is more at risk of catching this virus.

Also read: Nasal vaccine for Covid-19: Will it be a game-changer as new cases rise?

Dr Mule says, “It is obviously safer to be in a house full of vaccinated individuals. Vaccination can not completely protect you against the virus but it can reduce the chances of the condition getting worse.” So get vaccinated and practice simple measures like wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing your hands.