What is omicron - a new strain of covid with unusual symptoms

A new strain of coronavirus — omicron - is raising a wave of alarm around the world. This version, first seen in South Africa, is characterized by completely new symptoms. The omicron variant is the hardest to determine. Doctors are concerned about whether existing vaccines will be effective against it, and are conducting active laboratory studies. Find out from our material what signs are manifested in omicron disease.

A doctor from South Africa, who treats patients with the omicron coronavirus strain, said that patients experience unusual symptoms, including severe fatigue and high heart rate. 

Dr. Angelique Coetzee runs a private clinic in Pretoria, South Africa. She says that with the omicron strain, the taste and smell do not disappear, as with other types of covid. The signs are different, and they are much milder than those who have had other coronavirus variants. 

Children tolerate omicron disease much more easily. Elderly and unvaccinated people have the hardest time. In the absence of vaccination, the disease is much more severe. 

The omicron strain or B.1.1.529 is considered more contagious and can be transmitted to those who have already been vaccinated. He has 50 genetic mutations that have already been identified, but there are others that are completely new. Scientists consider it the most mutated version to date. Some of the symptoms coincide with the previous variants, but there are also those that have not yet occurred. 

Now experts are actively conducting laboratory studies to determine whether the antibodies in existing vaccines act on the omicron strain. Since this variant of the coronavirus was first discovered in South Africa, many countries have stopped air traffic with this country. However, cases of the omicron strain have already been reported in Europe, China and Australia.

The primary data of the study of the strain "omicron" show that the infection rate is higher, and the mortality rate is lower, and it is more easily tolerated. It has chances to "kill" previous strains, including delta. Therefore, epidemiologists express the hope that it will spread around the world, and it will be much easier to be treated for it, reducing the burden on hospitals. And then it can become a common seasonal illness, such as the flu.

Meanwhile, scientists have identified 10 signs of serious diseases that can be identified by nails. If you are attentive to changes, you can prevent the appearance of serious health problems in time.