Omicron Symptoms, 'Mild' Thus Far, Says Doctor , Who Brought Attention to New Variant.<br />CNBC reports the South African doctor who <br />first identified the new omicron COVID-19 variant says its symptoms are <br />so far "extremely mild.".<br />Dr. Angelique Coetzee says she began to notice a trend in patients with "unusual symptoms" around November 18.<br />It actually started with a male patient who’s around the age of <br />33... he’s just [been] extremely tired for the past few days and he’s got these body aches and pains<br />with a bit of a headache. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.<br />The doctor says many of these patients exhibited symptoms such as a "scratchy throat," but weren't experiencing usual COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell.<br />The doctor says many of these patients exhibited symptoms such as a "scratchy throat," but weren't experiencing usual COVID-19 symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell.<br />What we are seeing clinically in South Africa — is extremely mild... We haven’t admitted anyone, I’ve spoken to other colleagues of mine and they give the same picture. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.<br />What we are seeing clinically in South Africa — is extremely mild... We haven’t admitted anyone, I’ve spoken to other colleagues of mine and they give the same picture. , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC.<br />The World Health Organization <br />suggests the new strain has <br />increased risks of reinfection.<br />Experts are reportedly concerned with the variant's vast amount of mutations.<br />Officials with WHO say it could be <br />weeks before we properly understand <br />the effects of the new variant.<br />As reports of the new variant arose, <br />many countries implemented travel <br />bans on African countries where the <br />new strain of COVID-19 had been found.<br />As reports of the new variant arose, <br />many countries implemented travel <br />bans on African countries where the <br />new strain of COVID-19 had been found.<br />South African Minister of Health <br />Joe Phaahla was appalled by reports of said travel bans, calling them "draconian.".<br />Experts say it's likely the omicron variant <br />has already spread to many of the nations <br />that have banned travel from South Africa.<br />I think you already <br />have it there in your country without <br />even knowing it... , Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chair South African Medical Association, via the BBC
