Omicron is a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. It was first identified in late 2021 and quickly spread across the world, becoming the dominant form of the virus. Since then, several Omicron sub-variants have continued to circulate. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains what makes Omicron different and how people can protect themselves and their families.
Omicron spreads much faster. Omicron is far more contagious than earlier variants like Delta. It spreads easily within families, offices and crowded places, and its incubation period is shorter, so symptoms can appear within two to three days of exposure. It can also infect people who have been vaccinated or have had COVID-19 before.
The symptoms are often different. Omicron mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, the nose and throat, rather than the lungs. Common symptoms include sore throat, runny or blocked nose, cough, fever, headache, body ache and tiredness. Loss of taste and smell is less common than in earlier waves. Because these symptoms resemble a common cold or flu, many people ignore them and unknowingly spread the infection to others.
Milder for most, but not harmless. For most healthy and vaccinated people, Omicron causes milder illness than earlier variants. However, “mild” does not mean harmless. Elderly people, those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung conditions or weak immunity, pregnant women and unvaccinated people can still develop serious illness and may need hospital care. Because so many people get infected at the same time, even a small percentage of serious cases can put pressure on hospitals.
How to stay protected. Get tested if you develop symptoms, especially if you live with elderly or high-risk family members. Isolate when unwell, wear a mask in crowded places when cases are rising, keep hands clean and ensure good ventilation indoors. Vaccination continues to protect against severe disease. Avoid self-medication, particularly antibiotics and steroids, and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
When to seek medical help: breathlessness, oxygen levels falling below normal, persistent high fever, chest pain, confusion or extreme weakness need immediate medical attention.
Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com
Omicron is a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, first identified in late 2021. It spreads much faster than earlier variants, and several of its sub-variants have continued to circulate since.
Common symptoms include sore throat, runny or blocked nose, cough, fever, headache, body ache and tiredness. Loss of taste and smell is less common than with earlier variants.
For most healthy and vaccinated people, Omicron causes milder illness. However, elderly people, those with chronic diseases or weak immunity, pregnant women and unvaccinated people can still become seriously ill.
Yes. Vaccinated people and those who had COVID-19 before can still be infected, but vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
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