A medical expert recently explained the possibility of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant being mistaken for a hangover because of its milder symptoms than the other variants.
A Mirror report said that London general practitioner Dr. Adam Caputa has revealed the key indications that could signal that a person's Christmas hangover is a "more sinister bout of the said new variant.
The doctors warned that the British feeling exhausted in the morning following a big night out or party may assume they are experiencing the after-effects of booze. However, the signs of Omicron, he added, can all be mistaken with a hangover.
Dr. Caputa also said, at this time of year, people enjoy themselves more than usual, and then, one too many, and they wake up feeling exhausted, assuming it is just due to the alcohol they consumed the night before.
Customers enjoy drinks outside a pub in Covent Garden on the last Saturday for shopping before Christmas, in central London.
Milder Symptoms Than Delta
The GP said that symptoms of the Omicron variant appear to be more varied and possibly milder than the Delta strain. He added, the mutation can "mimic a hangover," particularly during the initial stages.
This week, officials said the most common indications experienced by individuals infected with Omicron include muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and a scratchy throat.
Most recent reports emphasized that the last mentioned is the one symptom most people with the Omicron variant are experiencing.
Nonetheless, Dr. Adam explained there are many "sure-fire ways" to determine if it is caused by "knocking back one-to-many" or the COVID-19 virus.
He continued, the main indicator is the duration of the symptoms, which are explained in a Verywell Health report, or how long an individual is suffering from the symptoms.
Hangover vs. Omicron Infection
In a report from The Sun, Dr. Adam explained, one would typically expect a hangover to settle and all symptoms to vanish, and thus, if this persists, they're looking at it more possibly being an Omicron
infection.
The medical expert added that if rest and a takeaway and lying on a sofa improve the symptoms, it is probably not an Omicron infection.
It is also vital to determine symptoms that are different from the ones one would expect from a hangover. The GP said people should observe and listen to their body to know if it's feeling different.
Then, they notice some extraordinary signs or combinations of such; it is certainly prudent to get tested and isolated.
Therefore, he explained, if one's exhaustion comes with a headache, and he as cough and fever, for instance, self-isolation and PCR testing are advised.
The GP's Advice
The GP's comments come following revelations from experts that the strain is producing symptoms that are akin to the common cold.
According to the doctor, if one experiences a cough, fever, or loss of smell and taste, all of Omicron's signs, he should be in isolation and undergo a PCR test.
The time it takes for symptoms of the Omicron variant to appear after exposure may be less compared with the other variants, Dr. Adam explained.
Therefore, he continued, those who contract the virus while on a night out or party may be suffering by the following morning.
He also said that a hangover could exacerbate or worsen the symptoms, just as a double effect with the virus.
Related information about Omicron symptoms' similarity with cold symptoms is shown on Dr. John Campbell's YouTube video below:
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