THE worrying side-effect Omicron patients must watch out for even after recovering from the Covid variant.
Since being first detected in late November 2021, the Omicron has caused a surge in Covid cases across the nation, forcing state officials to reimplement mask mandate rules and stress testing.
Yet, doctors and researchers have claimed that Omicron symptoms are mild and less severe than the Delta strain – despite being among the most highly contagious variants.
Data revealed the risk of hospitalization is 50 to 70 percent lower than with Delta.
However, many recovered patients are complaining about body pain and lack of energy.
In an interview with Livemint, Dr Harish Chafle, a senior consultant at Global Hospital, explained the back-breaking pain caused while recovering from Omicron.
“It is a possibility that due to inflammatory mediators, this variant is causing more myalgia than any other variant post-recovery,” the outlet reported.
A second reason for sudden post-Covid back pain may be Omicron’s effect on the musculoskeletal system, which the variant attacks more than any other variant, per the outlet.
There are several other long-term Omicron symptoms that can last for months – and here is how you can relieve them.
LONG-TERM OMICRON SYMPTOMS
People recovering from Omicron can experience the following:
- muscle weakness and stiff joints
- extreme fatigue and feeling low on energy
- reduced mobility
- breathlessness
- phlegm build-up
- weaker physical fitness
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- lack of sense of smell or taste
- stomach problems and this includes heartburn, diarrhoea and vomiting
- difficulties swallowing
On the other hand, some people experience a mental and emotional toll from Covid. These include:
- sleep issues – and can affect people who have been in hospital, where it can be difficult to sleep on Covid wards
- Mental fog such as being forgetful and not thinking clearly
- sudden changes in your mood
- depression or anxiety
- nightmares or flashbacks
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- confusion or delirium
But there are ways to relieve symptoms like a build-up of phlegm, and that’s through deep breathing.
This technique expands your lungs and helps clear the phlegm.
To do this, make sure you’re comfortable and that your chest and shoulders are relaxed, and do the following:
- Sit or lie in a comfortable position
- Place one hand on your tummy below your ribs and the other on your chest
- Take a deep breath through your nose while letting your tummy push your hand out. The hand on your tummy should move more than the hand on your chest
- Breathe out through pursed lips like you’re trying to whistle. Feel the hand on your belly go in and use it to push all the air out
- Repeat this three to five times while taking your time with each breath
If you’re still struggling to cope, please contact your GP or visit your local hospital for help.
