Is Omicron less severe than the Delta COVID-19 variant?

Since emerging in December 2021 Omicron has spread in over 80 countries and has become the dominant COVID-19 variant in the UK, overtaking the previously dominant Delta variant.

Is there a difference in spread between the Omicron and Delta COVID-19 variant?

The Omicron variant spreads more easily than earlier variants of the virus that cause COVID-19, including the Delta variant. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection, regardless of vaccination status or whether or not they have symptoms, can spread the virus to others.

Does the Omicron COVID-19 variant cause more severe disease?

Omicron infection generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant.

Is lower back pain associated with the Omicron COVID-19 variant?

A report from South Africa's largest health insurer found that a sore throat, congestion, dry cough and lower back pain ranked among the most common early omicron symptoms.

Should I be worried about getting the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

While some have suggested that most people will eventually get the coronavirus, you should do your best to avoid infection with Omicron—there is no justification for deliberately getting infected so you have what you think will be a mild illness that will provide you with more immunity going forward, the doctors say.

Doctors explain difference between omicron, delta variants

Is the Omicron variant causing long COVID-19 cases?

Experts say that nothing is certain regarding Omicron and long COVID, mainly because the variant roared onto the scene so suddenly in December that too little time has passed to detect a strong Omicron signal in the ongoing stream of long COVID cases.

What are some of the symptoms of the COVID-19 Omicron strain?

Both coronavirus variants had common symptoms such as runny nose, headache and sneezing, but debilitating symptoms such as brain fog, dizziness and fever were less prevalent in Omicron cases.

Are the symptoms the same for the delta variant as COVID-19?

Delta variant symptoms are the same The symptoms of the Delta variant appear to be the same as the original version of COVID-19. However, physicians are seeing people getting sicker quicker, especially for younger people.

How long do body aches and muscle pains last from COVID-19?

Body aches or muscle pains may be an early symptom of COVID-19, often appearing at the very start of the illness and lasting for an average of 2-3 days. Unfortunately, COVID-19 body aches can sometimes last much longer and are commonly reported in people with long COVID-19 or post COVID-19 syndrome.

How long are people experiencing omicron COVID-19 symptoms?

“It has become apparent that omicron generally leads to milder symptoms for the most part,” Dr. Bahmanpour says. “And symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days, which is shorter than previous variants, which could last up to 14 days.”

Can the Omicron variant of COVID-19 cause severe croup in children?

The Omicron COVID-19 variant can cause croup in young children, including severe cases that require hospitalization and intensive care, a new study shows.

Does the COVID-19 booster vaccine protect against the Omicron variant?

In adult populations, the protection conferred by two vaccine doses against Covid-19 wanes (more against milder infection than against severe disease) and is lower for omicron than for delta. However, a booster dose increases protection, including protection against omicron.

What are the common side effects of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine?

Side effects post first vaccine dose of normal injection site pain, fatigue and headache were more common in participants aged ≤49 years versus >49 years, while pain at the vaccination site, fatigue, lethargy, headache and tenderness were the most common side effects post second dose in both groups.

Is the Delta variant more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19?

People infected with the Delta variant have roughly 1,000 times more copies of the virus in their respiratory tract than those infected with the original strain of COVID-19. Those who are fully vaccinated are much less likely than those who are unvaccinated to contract and spread the Delta variant, but it does happen.

Is Delta more transmissible than the Alpha COVID-19 variant?

It's estimated that Delta caused more than twice as many infections as previous variants—in Connecticut, it was estimated to have been 80 to 90% more transmissible than the Alpha variant.

When was the Omicron variant of COVID-19 detected in the U.S.?

The B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant, first detected in November 2021, was responsible for a surge in U.S. infections with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during December 2021–January 2022 (1).

What should I do if I'm experiencing muscle and joint pain from COVID-19?

If you've been experiencing muscle and joint pain following a bout with COVID-19 and it's not getting better with time, it's probably time to see your doctor. “In cases like this, your primary care provider will usually refer you to a physical therapist,” Kristine said.

What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?

Early research suggested that it could take 2 weeks for your body to get over a mild illness, or up to 6 weeks for severe or critical cases. Newer data show that recovery varies for different people, depending on things like your age and overall health.

How long can fatigue last after COVID-19 infection?

Fatigue usually lasts for 2-3 weeks after COVID-19 infection, although some people may experience fatigue for 12 weeks or more after the infection is gone.

Does the Delta COVID-19 variant show symptoms more quickly?

The symptoms of the delta variant appear to be the same as the original version of COVID-19. However, physicians are seeing people getting sicker quicker, especially for younger people. Recent research found that the delta variant grows more rapidly – and to much greater levels – in the respiratory tract.

What are some of the symptoms of the COVID-19 Delta variant?

What are the symptoms of the Delta variant? The symptoms are similar to those seen with the original coronavirus strain and other variants, including a persistent cough, headache, fever, and sore throat.

Can you get the Delta variant if you've had the COVID-19 vaccine?

Having two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective way of ensuring protection against the Delta variant first identified in India, preliminary research has found.

Is loss of taste or smell a symptom of the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

Loss of sense of smell or taste, once a signature symptom of COVID-19, doesn't necessarily apply to the Omicron variant. A new study by the U.K. Health Security Agency, in fact, found loss of smell or taste in only about 13 percent of cases tracked by the nation's National Health Service.

What are COVID-19 toes?

Erythema pernio, known as chilblains, have been frequently reported in younger individuals with mild COVID-19 to the extent that they have earned the moniker “COVID toes.” However, the reason behind their development is not yet apparent.

What are the common side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection and fever. Side effects typically started within two days of vaccination and resolved two or three days later.