The five most common Omicron symptoms
Without testing, it’s impossible to distinguish the type of COVID a person has, or, depending on symptoms if they are suffering from a cold or other respiratory viruses.
However, the most common circulating virus right now is the Omicron variant, and any “common cold” is likely to be this.
Omicron symptoms are predominantly cold symptoms, so people should stay at home until tested. The five most common Omicron COVID-related symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
Symptomatic people should stay at home and away from others and get tested.
Symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe illness that requires hospitalization. It can take anywhere from 2–14 days after exposure to the virus for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms include:
Image courtesy of the Center of Disease Control (CDC).
Severe symptoms
In addition to the common symptoms listed above, people with COVID-19 may experience more severe symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, please seek emergency medical care right away:
- Trouble breathing
- Discoloration of the lips or face
- Persistent chest pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake
Prevention
COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, especially during close contact. Follow these steps to protect yourself and others:
- Stay home when you are sick
If you become sick with or without a positive test, assume you have COVID-19 and take steps to protect those around you.- Isolate away from others for at least five days, per CDC guidance, staying in a separate room and using a separate bathroom if possible.
- Stay hydrated, rest, and using over the counter medications may relieve some of your symptoms.
- Call your provider for advice if you are high risk for severe disease and make a plan if your symptoms get worse.
- Wear a good mask everywhere, including among household members, for the full 10 days.
- Avoid contact with people who are at risk for severe disease if you can, for the full 10 days
- Get vaccinated
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent COVID-19, and now anyone aged 5 and older can get a vaccine. Even if you have had COVID-19, experts recommend you should still get vaccinated for maximum protection. Find out how to get a vaccine. - Get a booster
Booster shots help people maintain their immunity longer and protect against new variants; and now are recommended to everyone age 12 and older. Find out how to get a booster. - Wear a mask
Wearing a mask stops the spread of COVID-19, especially to those people and children who are unvaccinated. The State of Oregon requires people to wear masks in all public indoor settings. - Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Soap and water are preferred if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. - Practice social distancing
Maintaining 6 feet of distance between yourself and others protects against the spread of COVID-19. If you are not vaccinated, avoid crowded indoor places and gatherings where it is not possible to maintain distancing. - Avoid sharing personal household items
Don’t share dishes, utensils, towels or bedding with other people or pets in your home unless they have been vaccinated. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. - Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day
High-touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the instructions on the label. Bathroom and toilet surfaces should be cleaned daily with a household cleaner and a bleach disinfectant. The CDC provides recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting your home.
Treatment
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
- Two of the three monoclonal antibody treatments do not appear to thwart Omicron
- Many local providers have already discontinued the use of mAb
- Clackamas County Health Centers paused the use of mAb this week (Jan. 7th).
- Only Strotovimab has performed well against Omicron—this is for already hospitalized very high risk patient, and supply is very limited for now)
- Regeneron and Eli Lilly say they are developing monoclonal antibodies for Omicron, but it will be months before they are ready for use.
Antiviral Pills
- Regulators have recently authorized an antiviral pill from Pfizer
- Pfizer’s treatment, Paxlovid, has been found to be highly effective and likely to work against Omicron (supplies of antivirals will be limited at first)
- We are seeking information from state and federal partners on when this be available on Oregon
Monoclonal antibody therapy and antiviral pills do not take the place of a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with COVID-19.
