COVID-19: Symptoms and main signs that may indicate infection – Health

According to the National Institute of Health Genomic Surveillance Report, the omicron variant accounts for nearly 70 percent of . cases COVID-19 Reported in the country, which showed a significant increase in recent days.

(Read: These are the implications of the omicron’s state control)

Since some of the symptoms of influenza and this new variant are similar, it can be difficult to differentiate the two diseases based on symptoms alone.

(Also: From pandemic to endemic? What to expect from Omicron’s evolution)

For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a mechanism with a series of clues to determine if symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.

(Interesting: Covid-19 will maintain its leading role on the global health agenda)

Carlos Alvarez, co-delegated coordinator of COVID studies for Colombia Who is the A member of the Epidemiology Advisory Committee recently clarified that the evidence known to date indicates that the omicron variant is in fact more contagious, so there is a greater chance that a positive case will spread faster to another person.

Several studies claim that it is a variant 5-10 times lighter than other strains of the virus, but its ability to transmit is significantly greater. Although the evidence suggests that it is less severe, this does not mean that there is no risk of serious illness.

In fact, symptoms have been reported by infected people omicron They range from those with mild symptoms to those who become seriously ill.

(Read also: Covid: Three key facts we still don’t know two years after the pandemic)

Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and it is true that they are similar to the common cold, which begins with a sore throat, cough, congestion and body aches in general, but to remember That with Omicron there may be other, more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath (feeling short of breath), tiredness, muscle and body aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Because many people are often not sure they have COVID-19 when they develop a case of the flu, the CDC has created Corona virus self test An interactive clinical assessment tool that offers assistance to people by helping them determine if it’s really Omicron or the common cold.

The online tool works by asking a series of questions that, according to the user’s answers, provide measures and recommendations in case of possible certainty of omicron infection.

(We recommend reading: Will you get vaccinated? Find out where you can get one in different cities)

According to Alvarez, when experiencing symptoms of influenza that cause suspicion, it is best to isolate yourself and contact EPS and ask PCR test To rule out or confirm whether or not symptoms are related to covid-19.

“The decision to isolate is the most responsible at this time, especially since there is still the holiday season and the interactions are still higher.”The expert said.

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