As the Omicron variant replaced Delta as the dominant virus, patients’ symptoms changed. For example, the most common symptoms of fever have been replaced by a sore throat, so people are more aware of it.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Kim Myung-Kyung, a professor of infectious medicine at the National Medical Center, explained that the most common symptoms of Omicron patients include sore throat, runny nose, headache, sneezing, fatigue, etc. The symptoms of Omicron patients are milder than those of Delta patients, and even fever subside quickly.
The experts stated that the Omicron virus causes upper respiratory tract infection, which is similar to the symptoms of a common cold, while Delta virus causes lower respiratory tract infection.
Fever is caused by an immune response, and experts say that infection does not necessarily lead to fever due to high vaccination rates in Korea. However, if symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or runny nose persist for more than three days, they are advised to screen themselves quickly.
Meanwhile, Luo Yijun, deputy head of the medical response team of the Central Epidemic Command Center, said throat symptoms, including itching or coughing, have been equally common in recent weeks. In particular, he cautions that throat symptoms and cough are common in this wave of Omicron, followed by a runny nose, nasal symptoms, and fever.
According to data released by ZOE in the UK at the end of January, the five most common symptoms of infection with the Omicron are still runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.
According to the data of experts from various countries, sore throat has become one of the main symptoms of Omicron, so get tested if you experience these symptoms!
