Omicron symptoms in children, how much time does it take to appear? Here is what we know

New Delhi: The country has been experiencing a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases with its new variant, Omicron fuelling the whole process of spreading. The country in the morning has reported 175 new Omicron cases taking the total up to 1892. However, according to experts, the symptoms of Omicron are believed to be milder than that of Delta.

What is raising concern over is the risk of the disease among children as kids below 15 years are not eligible for vaccination. Reportedly, experts in Mumbai and Delhi stated that even though the number of Covid patients is increasing including children, the risk is mild.

“Nowadays, we are seeing many people testing Covid positive with history of fever, sore throat, and cough. The number of cases is increasing both in adults and children but majority of these have mild symptoms,” said Dr. Vikas Maurya, HOD and Director, Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh told a leading daily.

Symptoms of Omicron

According to experts monitoring the Covid & Omicron cases, patients infected with new variant are found to be suffering from fever, fatigue, scratchy throat, and body pain. In children, the symptoms are almost the same with a runny nose and dry cough.

Children show predominantly an upper respiratory tract infection. No information is available on post-infection complication, if any.

How long do Omicron symptoms take to show?

Patients infected with Covid-19 start showing symptoms within five to six days. In some cases, it may take even 14 days. The same is the case with Omicron where the symptoms can show up anytime between 3 and 14 days of infection.

Precaution

Considering the children being unvaccinated, proper preventive measures need to be taken including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, sanitizing regularly.

“As far as protecting children is concerned, we know wearing mask is the only full proof way we can prevent any variant infecting them. So, for the same to happen in this age group, adults should start following covid appropriate behaviour and set a role model for children to follow. Adults should wear mask properly so that the young ones learn to wear mask and of course follow hand hygiene,”  said Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant – Pulmonology and Critical Care at Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai told Hindustan Times.