More than half of Omicron users are unaware of their illness

omicron covid

According to surveys conducted in the United States, 56 percent of infected people were unaware of their status.

Over half of Omicron infected persons don’t know it. A recent research focuses on submerged Covid infections and presents a fresh estimate of people who get Sars-CoV-2 without recognizing it due to asymptomatic or moderate symptoms.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers performed the Jama Network Open study. 56% of affected people didn’t realize they were infected. Awareness is the key to overcoming this epidemic, said Susan Cheng, head of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging at Cedars-Sinai and research co-author.

Previous research predict that 25% to 80% of persons infected with the pandemic coronavirus may not show symptoms.

Omicron has less severe symptoms than other SARS-CoV-2 types, including tiredness, cough, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. “Our investigations provide evidence that undetected illnesses might boost viral transmission,” says Cedars-Sandy Sinai’s Y. Joung. Low awareness likely led to Omicron’s quick proliferation.

Researchers started collecting blood samples from healthcare professionals over two years ago for Covid and vaccine research. In the autumn of 2021, right before the Omicron variant spike, researchers increased enrolment to include patients. Scientists identified 2,479 healthcare personnel and patients who supplied blood samples shortly before or after the Omicron wave and 210 who were likely infected based on levels. recent blood test for Sars-CoV-2 antibodies.

Next, researchers surveyed and interviewed study participants to update health status. 44% of people with recent Sars-CoV-2 antibodies knew they were infected. 56% had no recent Covid infections. Only 10% of the uninformed trial participants reported recently experiencing cold or illness symptoms. More studies including individuals from various races and cultures are required to determine what variables contribute to the lack of knowledge.

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