Omicron variant is more likely to result in a mild corona course. But this should also not be underestimated. What can help with mild symptoms.
Kassel- The coronavirus continues to spread rapidly. Many people currently have warning messages lighting up on their cell phones or corona tests showing positive results. However, being infected does not automatically mean that one is also seriously ill. Particularly in the more contagious Omikron variant, those affected often report a "mild course".
Omicron spreads particularly quickly. However, as data have already shown, severe courses are less frequent than in Delta. In the case of corona infection, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) distinguishes between four classifications. The Institute is guided by the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Corona infection: How a mild course manifests itself
An asymptomatic infection usually progresses without any symptoms at all. Severe illness can result in the infected person needing hospitalization and being artificially ventilated or in mortal danger. In the case of a mild or even mild course, a variety of symptoms are possible, but: As a rule, these are cured at home.
However, the transitions between the stages are fluid, explains virology professor Stephan Ludwig of the University of Munster to WDR. And it also depends on one’s own perception. A mild course of Corona should therefore not be underestimated.
- Asymptomatic corona infection
- Mild/moderate disease
- Severe disease
- Critical illness
People infected with omicron particularly often complain of cough, cold or even sore throat- i.e., flu and cold symptoms, according to a paper published by the RKI. They can also last for a longer period of time and be very unpleasant. Further corona symptoms with a "mild" infection or "moderate" Course includes loss of smell or taste, headache, limb pain, diarrhea, but also shortness of breath. In addition, people with mild course can also get long-covid.
Mild corona progression: "Must feel like a cold"
„A mild course must feel like a cold. Anything above that, so if you feel really sick: that’s when you should consult your family doctor", explains general practitioner Martin Scherer to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. As possible Corona warning signs the physician calls thereby high fever or also shortness of breath.
In a mild course, however, it is usually sufficient to cure the symptoms at home. However, this should also be clarified with a doctor beforehand. It is also important to observe the course of the disease. Who is uncertain, can call beside the family doctor also always the medical standby service under the telephone number 116117. What sufferers should generally bear in mind: People infected with corona must go into home isolation. At home, the next question often arises: Which remedies help with "light" pain? Corona symptoms?
Corona: What medications can help with a mild course
First, sufferers should give themselves and their bodies plenty of rest and sleep, the federal government recommends. A balanced diet can also support. "It is also helpful to drink plenty of fluids, as the body tends to need more fluids during infections than in a healthy state," explains the German government. With medicines or house means ill can stick then to that, which helps also otherwise, so general practitioner Martin Scherer. Who has a stuffy nose, can therefore reach for the nasal spray, and use lozenges for sore throats.
Medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are effective against fever or pain. The latter is even a remedy recommended by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to treat mild courses of corona. Painkillers such as paracetamol, however, should always be used with caution. In addition, allergies or previous illnesses play a decisive role in the question of the right medication. Thus, people with a sick kidney should rather reach for paracetamol than ibuprofen, advises Scherer. In general, it should also be noted: The remedies can only make the symptoms of the disease more bearable. The immune system takes over the fight against the coronavirus. (svw)
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Only specialists can make the correct diagnosis and initiate a suitable therapy. The use of medications or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.