What do we really know in Nigeria about the symptoms of the Covid-19 variant called Omicron? Here’s what you need to protect yourself.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the impact of the new Covid-19 variant except for one thing. Scientists fear that it has the potential to wiggle through the wall of immunity that vaccination erects in people.

Dr Angelique Coetzee, the South African doctor whose research first exposed the Omicron variant published four symptoms of Omicron variant.

  • Muscle aches,
  • Fatigue
  • A scratchy throat
  • Night sweats

Similarly, another study group in London used an app to track vaccinated people who reported symptoms.

They explained in their findings (not peer-reviewed), that those who contracted Omicron commonly complained of cold-like symptoms.

  • A runny nose
  • Headache
  • Fatigue (mild or severe)
  • Sneezing
  • A sore throat

Doctors however disagree on the severity of Omicron, including peoples’ risk of hospitalization.

Dr Coetzee, for instance, says that Omicron symptoms are “very, very mild” compared to the Delta variant.


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Most doctors nevertheless agree that patients don’t lose taste or smell and there aren’t major drops in oxygen levels.

Similarly, doctors said evidence so far suggests that vaccinated persons present less severe symptoms than the unvaccinated.

Protect yourself

There are the common basic safety measures published so far on how individuals should protect themselves:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Go for a booster shot
  • Wear a mask
  • Maintain social distancing
  • Ventilate indoor spaces
  • Keep good hygiene
  • Self-isolate if symptoms occur.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) wants people to watch out for the virus by doing the following:

“The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.”

Know the symptoms of Omicron variant in Nigeria

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