The Omicron variant continues to spread across the United States, including right here in Atlanta. If you feel sick, remember to call your doctor and schedule an appointment. This article is going to tell you what Omicron symptoms you should look out for as well as what to do if you feel ill.
Omicron Variant: Here’s What You Should Know
There is a lot of misinformation out there, so for this article, we’ve relied on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for guidance.
In large cities like Atlanta and others, the Omicron variant is spreading more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and that’s because it’s more contagious.
What Are The Omicron Symptoms?
While health organizations across the world continue to study the illnesses, Omicron symptoms are based on whether you’re vaccinated or not, according to CDC data. If you’ve had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and catch Omicron, you’re likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
If you’ve had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re like to experience the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
The CDC is on record as having a clinical preference for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines over the J&J, mainly due to the latter’s less stellar performance against the variants.
Can Vaccinated People Still Get Omicron?
Yes, fully vaccinated people, including those who have gotten a booster shot, can still catch omicron. The CDC calls these “breakthrough infections,” and this has been the case with the Delta variant and will likely be so with others.
With that being said, vaccines continue to be effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death, according to the CDS. The speed at which Omicron is spreading underscores the importance of vaccination and boosters.
What To Do If You Think You Have Omicron
If you’re not feeling well and you suspect that you might have Omicron, the main thing is to not panic. Here are the simple steps you should take, according to the CDC:
Keep Track Of Your Symptoms
It’s very important that you monitor your symptoms so that you can accurately describe what you’re feeling to medical professionals or family members.
Do you have a cough? Does it hurt to breathe? Try to document as much about your experience as you can.
Isolate Yourself
Keep yourself and others safe by staying at home, except to get medical care.
This is not the time to carry on with business as usual. Don’t go to public places like the supermarket or ride public transportation, including Uber.
Contact Your Close Contacts
If your case has been confirmed, it’s a good idea to reach out to your close contacts and let them know that they may have been exposed.
Should You Go To The Doctor?
In many cases, COVID can be managed at home with proper rest, ample fluids and helpful vitamins and nutrients. When you’re starting to feel severely sick, you should go to your local clinic or hospital, especially if you experience any of the following:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin ton
Final Word
Preventative measures are still the best thing you can do in a pandemic. Like all the variants, even if you are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms, you can still spread omicron to others, so it’s imperative that you continue to:
- Wear a mask.
- Social distance.
- Wash your hands.
Continue to stay safe indoors as well as outdoors. Nurture your mental and emotional health as well.
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