Omicron infected people show unusual symptoms

The new corona variant Omikron, which has led to an increase in corona numbers in South Africa, has also spread in Europe. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has so far confirmed four cases through laboratory tests - all of them travelers returning from South Africa. The variant is suspected in further cases.

Many questions about the properties of Omikron are still unanswered. According to still very early findings, however, the variant is said to be extremely contagious. The first case reports from South Africa also suggest that Omikron causes different symptoms than the previously known mutants of the coronavirus. An overview of what is known about signs and courses in children, vaccinated and unvaccinated.

Omicron: what symptoms have emerged so far?

The South African medical association Sama records “unusual symptoms” in Omikron infections, according to which those infected are said to have complained of extreme fatigue as well as headache and pain in the limbs.

Few of the infected are to have fever, but some dry cough and scratchy throat. It is also notable that no one has complained of a disappearing sense of smell or taste, as is often common with other variants. In addition, the symptoms were mild in all persons, even in the unvaccinated. However, this could also be due to the age of those infected. In South Africa, Omikron has so far been detected mainly in younger adults.

In the delta variant, infected persons mainly of headache, a runny nose and a raw throat. Fever and loss of the sense of smell and taste are also typical symptoms.

How severe are illnesses after infection with omicron?

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that no deaths have yet been reported in connection with Omikron. Nor have very severe covid courses been reported to date. Most confirmed infections are said to be mild or asymptomatic. But experts warn against jumping to conclusions.

The analyses are still in the early stages. It is also clear that South Africa has different basic conditions—such as a different age structure—than countries like Germany. More than 80 percent of those infected with Omikron in South Africa were younger than 50. The mild course of the disease there could therefore be due to the fact that the country has a relatively young population.

In South Africa, only about six percent of the population is over 65 years old. It is therefore not yet possible to say how infections progress in older people with, for example, pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Are convalescents and vaccinated people protected from Omikron?

In addition, most of the people infected in South Africa had already been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Case reports showed that the majority of those affected had already recovered from another variant - and thus already had some immune protection. This in turn could be responsible for a less severe course.

Vaccination status may also play a role in the milder course of the disease. Researchers generally assume that reinfection is possible with this variant. This means that even vaccinated persons can become infected, but they usually fare much better.

Are recovered and vaccinated people protected from Omikron?

In addition, most of the people infected in South Africa were already exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Case reports showed that the majority of those affected had already recovered from another variant - and thus already had some immune protection. This in turn could be responsible for a less severe course.

Vaccination status may also play a role in the milder course of the disease. Researchers generally assume that reinfection is possible with this variant. This means that even vaccinated persons can become infected, but they usually fare much better.