As expected, Omikron BA.5 is the currently predominant corona variant in Germany – what are the symptoms associated with the infection? One new side effect stands out as particularly interesting. what is known so far.
The omicron subvariant BA.5 continues to spread in Germany. This is not particularly surprising, because experts had already forecast the summer wave that has now occurred weeks ago. According to the current weekly report from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the new variant is currently showing the strongest growth.1 How dangerous is Omikron BA.5 and how do the symptoms differ from those of previous variants? A new side effect seems particularly puzzling.
Omicron BA.5 – the most common symptoms
Since Omikron BA.5 has only been part of world events for a few months, there are still no meaningful studies on it. However, those affected in Great Britain can use a smartphone app, which is part of the «Zoe Covid Symptom Study», to transmit which symptoms they are currently struggling with.2 These are so-called anecdotes, which can provide important information, but require further scientific investigations. Currently, the most commonly reported symptoms with Omikron BA.5 are:
- Fever
- Cough
- fatigue
- Loss of smell and taste
- shortness of breath
- tiredness or exhaustion
- body aches
- headache
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- nausea
- Night sweats accompanied by intense, vivid dreams
Also interesting: Apparently much fewer cases of long covid after infection with omicron
The main differences to the previous variants
While the loss of the sense of smell and taste was virtually destiny for Alpha and Delta, this symptom is rare for Omicron BA.5. There are also fewer complaints of severe coughing or high fever. Apparently, the new variant no longer attacks the lungs quite so massively – this applies primarily to vaccinated people. What stands out, however, is a deep-seated exhaustion and tiredness that was previously unknown to this extent. Overall, Omikron BA.5 is the most contagious corona variant to date, but is rarely associated with more severe courses. The incubation period also seems to be somewhat shorter, so that the first symptoms can appear one or two days after infection (FITBOOK reported). As a reminder: With Alpha at the beginning of the pandemic, up to ten days passed between infection and the onset of illness.
Also interesting: Are you entitled to a PCR test if the corona self-test is positive?
Mysterious omicron symptom: lucid dreams and sweaty nights
A fairly common side effect that is being reported a lot at the moment is night sweats. This is not only uncomfortable, but also means changing bed linen and pajamas every day. And there is something else: Those affected report very intense, vivid dreams, which often lead to nightmares. For some, however, the dream experience also reaches an unprecedented, for many even spiritually felt dimension: In the dream they become aware that they are dreaming and can thus consciously control what is happening. Lucid dreaming is the name of the phenomenon, which requires a lot of practice and patience in a “healthy state” (FITBOOK reported). A very recent study has taken on this topic and found: A corona infection intervenes massively in our dream world in an interesting way.3 However, this should not be a reason for the curious to intentionally become infected with omicron!