Help, I have Omicron!
Doctor gives tips on what sick people can do - and explains warning signs
Created: 2022-03-23 05:09
By: Jennifer Battaglia
What can I do about my symptoms with an omicron infection?
Doctors give tips.
(Iconic image) © Andreas Gebert/dpa
More people are getting infected with the coronavirus than ever before.
A doctor explains what sick people can do and what warning signals to look out for.
Munich – A record incidence is currently chasing the next.
The number of cases of those infected with the corona virus has never been higher than in the past few days and weeks.
The omicron variant is spreading rapidly.
While the number of people who tested positive was still declining in February 2022, it increased again significantly only a short time later.
Since then, the number of cases has increased steadily.
According to virologist Hendrik Streeck, such a “double peak” in infection numbers is not unusual, but was to be expected for this time of year.
Corona virus: number of new infections higher than ever
On Tuesday (March 22), 220,080 new infections were reported to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) - around 20,000 more than on Tuesday last week.
With a high number of cases, the probability of becoming infected with the virus also increases.
When asked by Merkur.de
, a doctor explains how to behave properly when you are sick and what you can do about your symptoms
.
Self, rapid or PCR test
If you suspect that you have been infected, it is best to do a self-test or a quick test.
If one of the two is positive, you are entitled to a free PCR test.
This is available in many rapid test centers or at the family doctor.
The general practitioner usually also has the option of ordering PCR tests without a previous positive self-test or rapid test.
A disease with the omicron variant is usually milder than was the case with the wild type or the delta variant.
Nevertheless, Peter Lidzba, internist from Penzberg and doctor in charge in the Weilheim-Schongau district, says: "Omicron is much more than a banal cold." Symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough, tiredness and fatigue as well as loss of appetite and night sweats .
Stomach pain or nausea are also possible.
Corona virus: Classic cold remedies help with Omikron
According to Lidzba, classic remedies such as paracetamol, lozenges or nasal spray help against cold symptoms.
"We see that many patients only show a fever for a few days, but initially have a severe headache." According to the doctor, ibuprofen or novalgin can help.
Taking vitamin C, vitamin D or zinc also relieves the general symptoms.
However, if the symptoms persist for several days and worsen, you must consult a doctor.
If you experience shortness of breath, shortness of breath and an increased heart rate, you should contact
a doctor
immediately .
These symptoms are considered warning signs of a severe course.
People who belong to a risk group should always contact a doctor if the test result is positive.
Corona: Physical protection after infection is important
An infection with the corona virus is not always over within a few days.
"It can take two weeks or more for the virus to clear out of the body," Lidzba said.
Some patients need rest for
several weeks
afterwards .
"It's important to do everything for physical regeneration." If you don't feel fit yet, you shouldn't do any sport under any circumstances.
"Younger people are active and believe that they can train away the symptoms through sport - the opposite is the case," says the doctor.
This increases the risk of long Covid.
Some patients also develop a
strong dry cough
in the course of the disease .
"Then it can make sense to give an asthma spray
for two to four weeks
," says Lidzba.
If the symptoms persist, the family doctor should be contacted, who – if necessary – will also refer the patient to a specialist.
Basically, the corona virus should not be taken lightly.
Lidzba likens it to a computer virus: "The virus infects our network and sometimes you can't get rid of it without professional outside help."
What you can do if you get sick:
Typical cold remedies such as paracetamol, lozenges or nasal spray help against general cold symptoms.
If the headache persists, Ibuprofen or Novalgin can provide relief.
Vitamin C strengthens the immune system - either in the form of dietary supplements or as freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice.
Vitamin D or zinc can also help.
Adequate fluid intake should be ensured (1.5 to 2 liters of water per day).
Physical protection is announced!
Give your body time to regenerate.
Sport should only be resumed when you feel really fit again.
Anyone who feels physically worse and worse should definitely consult a doctor – even weeks after an infection.
If the dry cough persists, an asthma spray can help.
Corona: President of the Society for General Medicine gives similar tips
Very similar advice was recently given by the President of the German Society for General Medicine and Family Medicine (DEGAM), Prof. Dr.
Martin Scherer.
In a recent interview with
Focus
, he explained that mild symptoms usually do not require treatment.
The doctor only has to be informed if there is a pronounced feeling of illness.