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5 questions about the omicron strain

5 questions about the omicron strain
  1. How are the symptoms of "omicron" different from the symptoms of "delta"?

In contrast to the symptoms caused by the delta strain, when infected with "omicron", weakness and headaches are more disturbing, the sense of smell is lost and taste sensations change much less often.

Symptoms, in general, are more similar to those that occur with seasonal acute respiratory viral infections known to us for a long time: fever up to 38 ° C, sometimes higher, aching muscles and joints, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, decrease appetite. Some patients have low body temperatures, and children have rashes. Most of the sick carry the infection in a mild form. However, the features of the new strain not only contribute to its faster spread among people, but also make it possible to infect the bronchi and lungs faster and more actively, which confirms the need for no less serious attitude to "omicron" than to previous strains.

Obviously, all previously known preventive measures should be continued. With the development of symptoms of the disease, you need to isolate as soon as possible, ask for medical help and strictly follow all prevention recommendations – wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance and get vaccinated.

  1. The Omicron strain is said to be highly contagious. Where are the risks of infection higher?

Due to the higher contagiousness of the omicron strain, the likelihood of becoming infected in rooms where there are many people increases. According to Japanese scientists, omicron is transmitted 4.2 times faster than its predecessor. The highest risk of infection is from a person who is nearby and already has respiratory symptoms: cough, runny nose, sore throat. The use of social distancing and a protective mask reduces the likelihood of transmission of the virus, but does not completely eliminate it, especially with prolonged contact in the same room with the sick person.

  1. What is the incubation period for "omicron"? How long after infection with "omicron" does a person develop symptoms of the disease?

According to current data, the incubation period for infection with the omicron strain is most often 3-6 days. Given the ability of the new strain to spread faster, it is likely that symptoms will appear the next or a day after exposure.

  1. What is the difference between "omicron" and "delta" strain?

For the delta strain, the average incubation period calculated by Chinese scientists was 4.4 days. For "omicron" there is no such exact figure yet. According to preliminary calculations by South African doctors, the incubation period lasts for 5 days, but in different population groups it may slightly differ. The rapid increase in the number of cases in some countries indicates a shorter incubation period compared to the delta variant.

  1. How long after infection with these variants can a test for COVID-19 be positive?

As a rule, the test for COVID-19 becomes positive at the end of the incubation period, before the first symptoms appear, that is, 1-6 days after infection.

*Published on the basis of materials provided by Federal Budgetary Institution of Science ‘Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after G.N. Gabrichevsky of Rospotrebnadzor”.

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