What is Omicron Virus Variants – Symptoms, Tests and Cases

With India on the verge of yet another wave of coronavirus, people are concerned about the new variant – Omicron – that is making headlines nowadays. What do we know about this new Omicron variant? What are the common symptoms and test cases in India? What are the effects of vaccines on Omicron?

Let’s understand everything here. 

What is Omicron Virus?

Omicron is the new variant of COVID-19 which was first identified in South Africa in November 2021. Scientists call it the B.1.1.529. However, within only a few days, Omicron has spread rapidly in more than 106 countries across the world. According to the World Health Organisation, Omicron is the “variant of concern” because it has a high number of mutations. This makes the variant more unpredictable. Additionally, preliminary studies are showing that the new variant is highly transmissible, though the severity of the infection is comparatively lower than earlier versions.

The rate at which Omicron is spreading clearly indicates that the global pandemic is far from over. Though Omicron symptoms are milder as compared to previous variants, its high mutation rate may make vaccinations less effective. Hence, everyone needs to get vaccinated and continue to follow precautionary measures, such as wearing masks, physical distancing, regularly sanitising your hands and keeping your indoors well ventilated.

Common Symptoms of Omicron

So, how would you know whether you are infected with the new variant of COVD-19? Check out these common symptoms.

• Runny nose or blocked nose
• Muscle aches
• Severe to mild headache and fatigue
• Sore throat and cough
• Sneezing
• Mild to high fever in some patients

 The symptoms of Omicron are surprisingly quite different from the ones people have experienced during the earlier variants of coronavirus. For instance, people have rarely experienced a loss of taste and smell that they had earlier reported with COVID-19. Additionally, high fever, respiratory problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, diarrhoea and skin rashes are other less common Omicron symptoms that were tell-tale symptoms of coronavirus previously.

According to scientists, the symptoms of the new variant are typically milder. There are also reduced risks of hospitalisation or severity in people infected with the new variant. One of the primary reasons behind this may be the vaccination of a large percentage of people nationwide. The speed at which the virus is transmitting might be another reason why the severity of the infection is getting offset.

Omicron Variant and Testing

One of the top questions that come to mind with regard to the Omicron variant is – do current COVID tests effective in diagnosing the new virus? According to scientists and health officials, the globally used RT-PCR and antigen-based rapid tests will be able to detect the Omicron virus. While self-test kits are not considered much effective in diagnosing Omicron, recently, Tata Medical and Diagnostics developed a kit. The new Omicron test name is “OmiSure” and can help detect the variant during the RT-PCR test. It is the first of its kind in India and has got approval from ICMR.

The kit can diagnose the Omicron virus as well as other variants of COVID-19 so far. Presently, patients infected with Omicron can be detected only prior to genome sequencing. A RT-PCR Test or antigen diagnostic test is not enough. With OmiSure, the step of genome sequencing can be eliminated and diagnosis can be done at the earliest. This test kit is designed for very specific and direct diagnosis of the new variant, Omicron.

If the test gives a positive result, stay back at home and isolate yourself for at least 7-10 days. If you come in contact with others, always wear a mask and consult your healthcare provider. If you have doubts about your self-test results, get in touch with your doctor or the public health department.

Omicron Test Near Me

As Omicron is spreading at a rapid pace, it is crucial to get yourself tested as soon as you experience the symptoms. However, make sure you take the Omicron test in Delhi only from a trusted hospital or diagnostic centre that is certified to perform the Omicron test. It is important to understand that the accuracy of the test report is important in determining whether you are infected or not. Therefore, choose wisely.

Since waiting in long queues or travelling several miles to get the test done can be inconvenient amid the COVID situation, it is crucial that you find an option for the “Omicron test near me in Delhi.” Several reliable diagnostic centres have the tools and technicians to perform a COVID test, safely and accurately. But before you book an appointment, check their report accuracy rate and convenience. It can be a discomfort for people to wait for long to get the test done.

Additionally, it is also important to check the Omicron test price in Delhi before you choose a medical service provider to get the test done.

Disclaimer: The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health expert if you have questions about your health.