Omicron variant resembles flu says Health Minister

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed that the symptoms of the Omicron Covid-19 are
similar to the flu virus, as he again appealed to persons to ensure they are vaccinated against the
disease.
Dr. Anthony said that some of the common symptoms, are stuffy and runny nose, sore throat, as
well as headache, all similar to the flu. “Here in Guyana, we haven’t seen many cases of persons
having flu and at the same time coronavirus. What we have seen with the current surge with the
omicron variant, is that the disease resembles more like a flu, the symptoms are similar,” he
explained.
He continued, “And that is why it’s important to distinguish between the two and the doctors that
we have in the system, I’m sure they know how to do that differentiation.”  Dr. Anthony noted
that he is persons to have a balanced diet, which he said will provide adequate nutrition to protect
the immune system.
Minister Anthony noted that employers need to put strict policies in place to prevent the spread
of infection in the workplace. He said that these include sanitising, masking, ensuring social
distancing, and encouraging employees to be fully vaccinated. The health minister has also
appealed to persons to isolate and wait a few days if they have been exposed, before getting
tested. This, he said, will give more accurate results.
Meanwhile, some 1019 positive cases were recorded over the last 24 hours, taking the total
number of active cases to 7,613. He pointed out that Region Four recorded the highest number of
infections with 7,878 cases, followed by Region Three with 912 cases and Region Six with 561
cases.
The minister went on to state that of those infected, 93 persons are hospitalised with 64 at the
Ocean View Facility, and 13 in the Intensive Care Unit.