Coronavirus: GP says 'Omicron is beating the booster'
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Indeed, some of the main symptoms of Covid are fever or chills, a cough, and new loss of taste or smell, but there are also other indicators. The new variant was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) last November and one concern has been around how much it could reduce vaccine efficacy, so people are being encouraged to get a booster vaccine.
Recognising the symptoms and self-isolating if you spot them can help to stop the spread of the variant.
The NHS guidance on Covid infection says vertigo is often seen in viral infections because you are weaker and run down or because the virus has affected the vestibular system, “the link between your inner ear and your brain”.
It says that if the vestibular system is affected you may find that you get dizzy when you move your head, see lots of movement in front of your eyes, change position quickly or your balance may be compromised.
It adds: “Dizziness can also be linked with ringing in the ears, reduced hearing, eye strain and headaches.
“These may come and go throughout the day. If they are constant or very intense, you should inform your healthcare professional as they may want to do some further investigations.”
The NHS says: “It is very common for people with a respiratory illness for example Covid, to feel breathless both during the acute phase of the illness and whilst recovering.”
It adds that fatigue is very common after viral infections, such as Covid and normally it settles after two or three weeks.
You may also experience loss of smell following your Covid infection.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that people with COVID-19 have reported “a wide range of symptoms”.
These may range from mild symptoms to severe illness, and some may call for medical attention.
The organisation suggests that symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and that anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, a headache or sore throat, congestion or runny nose and nausea or vomiting, are also signs.
The NHS says that you should self-isolate “straight away” and get a PCR test if you have any of the following symptoms of COVID-19, “even if they are mild”.
The health body notes: “Self-isolate even if you’ve had a positive test result for COVID-19 before. You probably have some immunity to the virus but it’s not clear how long it lasts.”
The Government is encouraging people to get vaccinated with a booster shot, which has been shown to offer a substantial top up of protection.
Indeed, the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows booster doses are continuing to provide high levels of protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant among older adults.
Figures show that around three months after they received the third jab, protection against hospitalisation among those aged 65 and over remains at about 90 percent.
With two vaccine doses, protection against severe disease drops to around 70 percent after three months and to 50 percent after six months.
The latest study looked at booster doses in those aged over 65, who were among the first to be eligible when the booster rollout began in mid-September.
Currently the JCVI has said there is no immediate need to introduce a second booster dose, though this will continue to be reviewed.
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