Well, it’s finally happened. I tested positive for Covid three days ago, only a few hours after receiving my booster jab. There seems to be a lot of speculation about the Omicron variant and I thought readers might find it useful to know my symptoms of Omicron. Especially as I am a vulnerable/high-risk individual due to having Cystic Fibrosis and an impaired immune system. So far, it hasn’t been that bad at all.
Covid-19 has created pandemonium for the past two years and there has been a lot of misinformation being shared. I do believe that the Omicron variant of Covid is fairly mild. I am classed as vulnerable and I have found the Omicron symptoms manageable.
As an aside, I am used to severe illness and chronic chest infections and the symptoms of Omicron have been very mild and a walk-in-the-park compared to my prior infections.
Having said that, it’s never an idea to become complacent. This variant is absolutely spreading and is incredibly transmissible. I went out for dinner with three friends the weekend before last (about 9 days ago) and two out of the four of us tested positive for Covid.
I didn’t display any symptoms until five days later and after my Covid booster jab. The first inkling I had that something was wrong was when I felt a little short of breath. I sometimes get asthma and used my Ventolin spray, thinking nothing of it.
In the night, the aches started and I thought – here we go.
Symptoms of the Omicron variant
The new strain of Covid has additional symptoms to the Delta variant and here’s a list of the symptoms of Omicron that I’ve experienced: I hope it helps others who are confused about Omicron:
Brain fog
Since testing positive for the Omicron variant, I have struggled to focus and attend to work tasks that would normally be a breeze. I have been on an anti-depressant and have been getting odd withdrawal symptoms despite taking my medication every day. It’s made me wonder what chaos Covid is creating in my brain. It’s clearly interfering with my brain’s ability to fire synapses correctly and the ensuing brain fog makes sense. Mental clarity has disappeared and I can’t retain much information.
I was recently speaking to someone about my blog and he had to keep repeating himself…oops
Thankfully, work is slowing down slightly in the run-up to Christmas and I am able to take it easy.
Loss of appetite
My taste has been affected – especially for sweet foods. I can’t taste the sweetness as much as before and everything tastes very bland. I haven’t been eating as much as before I tested positive for Omicron and don’t fancy food at all. I don’t mind this one too much as I have gained extra weight due to winter and less exercise lately…tut tut
Fatigue
The first two days, Saturday and Sunday were spent in bed. It’s day 4 now and I still feel very lethargic. Cooking a meal seems like a mammoth effort and I have been loafing on the couch as much as possible. Even having a shower seems like a big task but it’s what makes me feel better every day.
Aches and pains
Insomnia reigns when you ache every time you turn over in bed. The aching has eased in the last day or so. Paracetamol helps if you are struggling with aches.
Dry cough
A slight sore throat and a dry couch have emerged but nothing severe at all.
What to do if you test positive for Covid (UK)
You need to isolate yourself at home for at least ten days.
Go onto the NHS website and report your details
Order a PCR test by post
When you receive the PCR test, take the test and post it or arrange a courier through 119.
Register your PCR test online
My advice is to live your life as normally as possible whilst also avoiding large crowds and gatherings where possible. Wear a mask, keep your distance from others and wash your hands regularly.
The media tend to sensationalise Covid and the Omicron variant is definitely a sign that the virus is levelling out. Brain fog and loss of appetite seem more specific to Omicron rather than the Delta variant. A virus wants to survive and killing it’s host is self-defeating. Science predicts that as the mutation changes, the virus becomes more transmissible but less dangerous – exactly what the symptoms of Omicron are proving to be.
Hopefully, I will soon be back to my old self and my brain will re-engage but in the meantime, I am using the time to relax, catch up on TV programs and sleep as much as I want. It’s not all bad 🙂
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
