Top 5 Key Symptoms to Identify the Omicron Variant in Children

Children are the most vulnerable group to the new COVID-19 variant.

Although the Omicron variant tends to cause milder illness compared to earlier strains of coronavirus, no one wants to catch this infection. Initially, doctors reassured that COVID-19 posed little risk to children and adolescents. However, with the emergence of Omicron, it became clear that the virus is mutating and can affect everyone — vaccinated or not, young or healthy.

This is because newer variants can easily enter the body: COVID-19 adapts quickly to various conditions, so even vaccination and preventive measures don’t guarantee full protection. Vaccinated individuals typically experience milder symptoms and recover faster. This is especially true for the African variant identified in December 2021.

The African strain spreads faster than its predecessors, with symptoms often appearing the next day. Most patients experience high fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and sometimes conjunctivitis. The majority of cases involve children and young adults under 39.

Often, parents struggle to distinguish between a common cold and COVID-19 in their child. That’s why recognizing specific symptoms is crucial to know when to seek medical help. Pediatrician Evgeny Timakov highlights the main signs that can help identify if your child has contracted the virus.

Omicron Symptoms in Children

"Symptoms vary by age group because the number of receptors through which the coronavirus enters the body differs. For children aged 0 to 5, the virus primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract via mucous membranes. Therefore, young children often show signs like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever — symptoms similar to rotavirus or food poisoning. Children over 12 usually experience respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, cough, and runny nose. Eye mucosa can also be affected, causing conjunctivitis. Regardless of the entry point, the virus spreads throughout the body, causing diverse symptoms," explains Timakov.

Common symptoms observed in children include:

• Runny nose
• Hoarseness
• Sore throat
• Digestive issues
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

If your child shows these symptoms, there's a 99% chance they have COVID-19. Timakov stresses the importance of early treatment for children aged 2 to 5, as Omicron can cause rapid development of bronchiolitis — inflammation of the small airways, leading to breathing difficulties and shortness of breath. While not pneumonia, this condition requires prompt attention.

"Another serious symptom is 'COVID toes,' where skin changes resembling frostbite appear due to poor blood circulation in extremities. This was common with the Delta variant, but since both Delta and Omicron circulate now, symptoms may overlap," warns the pediatrician.

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"I recommend starting antiviral treatment as soon as symptoms appear, without waiting for test results," says Evgeny Timakov. "Omicron progresses rapidly, and tests taken days after symptoms begin may no longer be reliable. Interferon alpha and umifenovir, approved for children over one year, can block infection development. Immediate treatment is crucial because delaying allows the virus to penetrate deeper. Symptomatic treatments like fever reducers, nasal rinses, and throat gargles should also be used, similar to managing any respiratory infection."

Timakov also explains that COVID-19 can erase immune memory, meaning children who recover from other infections like common colds might get reinfected more easily after contracting coronavirus. The virus alters immune responses, making repeated illnesses more common.

COVID-19 significantly affects adults and even more so children's health. Currently, schools and daycare centers report increased cases of frequently ill children who were previously very healthy. Therefore, it is vital to monitor any cold-like symptoms closely and seek medical advice promptly.

Source: KP materials.

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