Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-59769969

Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care
By James Gallagher
Health and science correspondent
Published 2 hours ago

People catching Omicron are 50% to 70% less likely to need hospital care compared with previous variants, a major analysis says.

The UK Health Security Agency says its early findings are "encouraging" but the variant could still lead to large numbers of people in hospital.

The health secretary said it was "too early" to determine "next steps".

The study also shows the jab's ability to stop people catching Omicron starts to wane 10 weeks after a booster dose.

Protection against severe disease is likely to be far more robust.

The report comes hot on the heels of data from South Africa, Denmark, England and Scotland which all pointed to reduced severity...

[sharon sanders]

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[kiwibird]

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1541168/coronavirus-omicron-variant-symptoms-less-loss-of-smell-or-taste-delta

A fever and a new continuous cough are no longer dominant, noted Prof Spector.

The following symptoms are more likely to occur with Omicron:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing.

What's also "slightly different" with Omicron is that users are reporting loss of smell or taste less often, said Prof Spector.

Data out of South Africa pointed to this trend and data generated by the ZOE app confirms that it does occur but it's less common, he reported.

[sharon sanders]

From the South African government:

"Coronavirus information

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention."

https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

[sharon sanders]

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