Omicron variant symptoms: Lesser known ’emergency warning signs’ on skin, lips and nails

The strain of coronavirus was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) last November and one concern has been around how much it could reduce vaccine efficacy. Recognising the symptoms and self-isolating if you spot them can help to stop the spread of the variant.

Nonetheless, the CDC suggests that there are a number of others to look out for.

These include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, a headache or sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

The CDC adds that you should “look for emergency warning signs” for COVID-19 and “seek emergency medical care immediately” for a number of signs.

For example, if you notice pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone, you should seek medical attention.

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These emergency signs also include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, and an inability to wake or stay awake.

It also seems that you can catch the Omicron variant even if you have previously had a different strain of Covid.

The NHS says if you get symptoms of coronavirus again you should “self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test”, even if the symptoms 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.”

“You cannot catch COVID-19 from the vaccines and cannot pass it to your baby through your breast milk,” it explains.

Most people will be offered a booster dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or Moderna vaccine.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid previously said: “One thing is absolutely clear – we have no time to waste in the race between virus and the vaccine.

“Booster jabs are absolutely critical for strengthening our defences, and today’s milestone of 25 million top-up jabs is a testament to the enthusiasm of people up and down the country who are rolling up their sleeves to get boosted now.”