The Health Secretary reported on Thursday, July 21 that Mexico adds millions 556 thousand 679 cases and 326 thousand 879 deaths from COVID-19. Omicron remains the dominant variant, with their respective subvariantsso in One TV We explain when the first symptoms appear, when to take a test and when to isolate yourself.
How many days following the first symptoms of COVID-19 appear?
El Dr. Reynaldo Lara, infectologist and specialist COVID-19 of Tecnologico de Monterreydetails that following having had contact with a person infected by Omicron or any of their subvariantsmight be the first symptom from the third day.
“In the midst of a wave of COVID-19 in Mexico, subvariants of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 have been shown to have a greater capacity to infect people more efficiently”
Dr. Reynaldo Lara
The TecSalud doctor said that unlike the previous variants, such as the original strain or Deltawho had a virus incubation period of between five and six days, the subvariants of Omicron can cause infected people to show symptom in less time.
What are the common symptoms of Omicron and its subvariants?
Likewise, Dr. Reynaldo Lara points out that these subvariants, which might resist the antibodies of the vaccinealso reduce their immune protection time following infection, since it has been shown that they can be reinfected in just two months. That is why you should be aware of the common symptoms, which are:
- Headache
- Fever
- Tos
- Nasal congestion
- Throat pain
- Hoarsely
- Diarrhea (in some cases)
If you suspect Ómicron, when should you be tested for COVID-19?
Reynaldo Lara details that when the first appear symptomthere it is recommended to do the Test”, refuting the theory that the test should be done three days following the first contact with an infected person, either by Omicron or any variant.
“We need to wait, it is not that following three days that you were in contact with an infected person you have to take a test, because if it comes out negative there can be two scenarios: either you did not get sick, or there is still time for symptoms to appear”
Dr. Reynaldo Lara
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (OMS) ensures that “all the people who present symptom they must do the Testto the extent possible”, although within its recommendations it does not rule out the possibility of having the Test following being in contact with an infected person.
At what time to isolate yourself to avoid more infections?
First of all, the OMS suggests that when a person is waiting for the results of the Test of COVID-19must remain isolated from others until determining that the patient is positive or negative.
For its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCfor its acronym in English) detail that the date of exposure is considered day 0. Day one is the first full day following your last contact with a person who has had COVID-19. Stay home and away from other people for at least five days.
- If the patient had symptoms: isolation should be terminated following five days, if there has been no fever in the last 24 hours.
- If the patient did not present symptoms: it is recommended to remain in “quarantine” for five days from when they tested positive for COVID-19
In any case, it is recommended to take precautions until the 10th day following being in contact with a person infected by Omicron and its variants. The care measures consist of wearing a protective mask and/or face mask at all times, as well as not traveling and staying away from people who are likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19.
