The bizarre Omicron symptom that could be an ’emergency warning sign’, docs warn
A BIZARRE Omicron symptom has been flagged as one to watch out for in patients.
Doctors have warned if you develop confusion it could mean you need medical treatment.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said it is an "emergency warning sign".
They suggest seeking out help "immediately" if you or someone in your household starts to seem confused while suffering with Covid.
The CDC also says anyone experiencing trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, inability to stay awake or pale or blue skin, lip or nail beds, should get urgent help.
While it's important to watch out for warning signs of serious illness, a string of hugely positive studies show Omicron is milder than other strains in the vaccinated.
Covid booster jabs protect against Omicron and offer the best chance to get through the pandemic, health officials have repeatedly said.
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With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the symptoms were generally easier to identity such as a continuous cough, fever and a loss of taste and smell.
Omicron though has been harder to identify as it has been found to blend in with other symptoms of seasonal illnesses such as flu or the common cold.
Last year millions of people using the app to log symptoms reported "sudden confusion (delirium)" while they had Covid.
It was shown to be a key symptom of the virus in older people, and often indicated a higher risk of needing medical treatment.
The ZOE Covid Symptom Study has also identified brain fog and feeling down in their top 20 of Omicron symptoms.
Delirium is a common reaction to infections and illnesses in older people - it can be triggered by dehydrations, low oxygen levels or a disrupted balance of salts in the body.
There are two types of delirium, which can be obvious in a new change from a person’s normal behaviour.
The first is hyperactive delirium, where someone suddenly starts acting strangely and not like themselves.
They might become agitated or distressed, or even aggressive.
The second type is hypoactive delirium, which is more common and harder to spot.
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They become drowsy and less responsive to what is happening around them, often withdrawing.
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It can also cause people to become incontinent as they don't realise they need the loo, and stop eating and drinking.
It is important to remember that this is not the only symptom, with common signs being fatigue, breathing issues, muscle and body aches as well as headaches or a sore throat.
Top 20 Omicron symptoms:
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Hoarse voice
- Other
- Chills or shivers
- Fever
- Dizzy
- Brain fog
- Altered smell
- Eye soreness
- Unusual muscle pains
- Skipped meals
- Loss of smell
- Chest pain
- Swollen glands
- Feeling down