MoPH recommends actions to be taken if infected with Omicron variant

MoPH Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a guide explaining the symptom of the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the necessary actions to be taken if infected with the virus.

"Most people infected with the Omicron variant experience mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and do not need hospital care. This guide highlights the common symptoms associated with mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 infection and outlines the correct course of action to take," the MoPH said in an advisory on Twitter.

In mild cases, the MoPH said, the common symptoms are low-grade fever, dry cough, sinus congestion, sinus pressure or runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and fatigue.

“In such cases, you isolate yourself and avoid contact with family members and other people, take paracetamol to reduce the symptoms, keep yourself hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods,” the MoPH said.

People with mild symptoms can get tested if they wish to. If the result is positive in a rapid antigen self-test, "you may visit an approved medical facility for an official Covid-19 test to obtain a certificate and have your Ehteraz status changed". 

One may also visit a medical centre authorised to do COVID-19 testing.

In moderate cases, the common symptoms are high fever, deep cough, chills with repeated shaking, low back pain, muscle pain, fatigue and bodyache, and some shortness of breath while moving, with an oxygen saturation level of 94% or more while breathing room air.

"Isolate yourself and avoid contact with family members and other people, take paracetamol to reduce the symptoms, keep yourself hydrated and avoid staying in bed for prolonged periods,” the MoPH advised.

"If you are 60 or above or if you have a serious chronic condition like cancer, have heart failure or kidney failure, or are immuno-compromised, please call 16000 and ask for further guidance," it adds.

People with moderate symptoms can also get tested if they wish to.

If the result is positive in a rapid antigen self-test, "you may visit an approved medical facility for an official Covid-19 test to obtain a certificate and have your Ehteraz status changed". 

In severe cases of infection, the common symptoms are chest pain, bluish lips or face, confusion/unresponsiveness, extreme fatigue and bodyache, and shortness of breath (even when not exerting yourself) with an oxygen saturation level of less than 94 percent while breathing room air.

Individuals with severe symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should seek medical attention immediately, the MoPH added.

They should visit a primary health centre or call 999 if experiencing life-threatening symptoms.