A top doctor in New York City has stated that despite the warning from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about a new variant, cases of COVID-19 are noticeably weaker than before. Dr. Erick Eiting, vice chair of operations for emergency medicine at Mount Sinai Downtown, said that most patients he has seen have experienced mild symptoms that can be mistaken for allergies or a common cold. Existing symptoms include congestion, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. Testing is often the only way to confirm that it is COVID-19.
A long-term study in the UK found that the Omicron variant of 2021 is significantly more likely to cause a sore throat compared to previous variants. Dr. Grace McComsey of Case Western University observed that loss of taste and smell now only affects around 10-20% of COVID-19 patients, compared to 60-70% during the early stages of the pandemic. However, patients may experience a burning sensation in the throat that improves when congestion occurs.
The need for intense hospital care has decreased among current patients compared to last year, according to doctors. Antiviral pill treatments like Paxlovid have contributed to faster recoveries. Dr. Michael Daignault of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in California stated that since July, the majority of younger patients with upper respiratory symptoms are sent home with supportive care.
Dr. Dan Barouch, a virology expert at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, attributed the milder cases to the effectiveness of our immune systems and vaccines. He explained that the immune responses are now higher, leading to a lower severity of the disease compared to previous years.
Overall, the evidence suggests that cases of COVID-19 are becoming milder, with fewer hospitalizations and a decrease in severe symptoms. The impact of the Omicron variant on COVID-19 symptoms is being closely monitored through scientific studies.
Sources:
– NBC News
– UK-based long-term study of COVID symptoms
– Grace McComsey, Case Western University
– Michael Daignault, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
– Dan Barouch, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
