Are Antivirals Ineffective? Identifying and Treating the New Coronavirus Variant
Fall Brings a New Wave of Coronavirus
As autumn arrives, so does a new wave of coronavirus. This time, various Omicron variants are spreading, including Deltacron, Ninja Omicron, and Centaur Omicron. We will discuss their characteristics, treatment options, and whether antiviral medications are necessary to combat COVID-19.
Understanding the New Wave of Coronavirus
The distinctive feature of this new wave is the spread of the Omicron variant, which has slightly adapted to the existing antibodies in each person’s body. It doesn’t matter how these antibodies were acquired, whether through vaccination or previous infection.
The new Omicron variants have various names such as Deltacron, Ninja Omicron, and Centaur Omicron, with more names likely to emerge as the virus mutates. However, identifying the specific Omicron sub-variant a person is infected with is not crucial, as the symptoms and treatment are generally similar.
Symptoms: High Fever and Weakness, but No Loss of Smell
COVID-19 can be accurately detected through two methods:
- PCR test conducted in laboratories
- Rapid test available in all pharmacies
We will discuss the most common symptoms of the new Omicron variants.
High Fever
With the new Omicron variants, body temperature often rises above 39 degrees Celsius, typically lasting around three days and being difficult to reduce. If fever reducers are ineffective, a spasmolytic can be taken to enhance their effect.
Cough
The new COVID-19 variant causes a dry, superficial cough from the upper respiratory tract, rarely affecting the bronchi. There are usually no wheezing sounds, so there is little concern about lung congestion, and expectorants are generally unnecessary. Any cough medication can be used to alleviate the condition, but multiple cough medications should not be taken simultaneously.
Sore Throat
Not everyone experiences a sore throat, but when it occurs, it is usually intense and difficult to treat. The good news is that it typically resolves on its own within 4-5 days (or 2-3 days if treatment is effective). The bad news is that swallowing can be difficult during this period, especially liquids.
Most throat treatments are ineffective in this case. A chlorhexidine water solution or similar can help. Pain relievers, both local and systemic, can also be used. However, lozenges, especially those with anesthetics, are not recommended.
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
The illness often begins with nausea, and vomiting, if it occurs, is usually a one-time event. These symptoms typically do not last more than a day.
Diarrhea with the new variants is unusual as it does not occur at night but only during waking hours, suggesting a possible link to the nervous system. Unlike previous variants, where sorbents were effective, probiotics, particularly Saccharomyces, are now recommended.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Muscle pain is similar to that experienced with other COVID-19 variants and can be managed with standard pain relievers. Weakness can only be alleviated with time, as it persists throughout the incubation period. While vitamins can be taken, they do not significantly affect the course of the illness.
Oral Mucosa Inflammation
Not everyone experiences this symptom, but when it occurs, it feels as if the inside of the mouth has been scraped with sandpaper. Treatment is usually unnecessary as it resolves within a couple of days. Warm chamomile tea and mouth rinses can help alleviate discomfort.
Other symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, such as loss of smell, taste, and skin rash, are now rare.
Treatment: Antivirals Not Necessary, but Antibiotics Possible
One of the main questions is whether antiviral medications should be taken. Assessing the effectiveness of antivirals with the new coronavirus variants is challenging.
For antivirals to have an effect, they need several days. Effectiveness is typically measured by a reduction in temperature. However, with the new Omicron variants, fever rarely lasts more than three days, making it difficult to determine whether the antiviral worked or the virus simply ran its course.
The current coronavirus strain is significantly weakened and rarely causes lung complications. Even when complications occur, the pneumonia is usually viral-bacterial or purely bacterial, requiring antibiotics rather than antivirals. A healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate antibiotics.
It’s important to remember that in addition to Omicron, individuals can be infected with other viruses, often simultaneously with COVID-19. This is particularly true for adenovirus, enterovirus, and sometimes rotavirus infections.
Treatment for both Omicron and other viruses is symptomatic. If there is a sore throat, treat the throat; if there is a runny nose, address that. The specific virus causing the symptoms is less important. Current antiviral medications are generally universal. If you decide to take an antiviral, choose one with the fewest side effects.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
