As cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in at least 57 countries, doctors are warning parents of one symptom that has been cropping up in kids that they need to be on the lookout for.

Dr. David Lloyd, a general practitioner in North London, told Sky News that he has seen about 15% of children, who have confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, develop a rash

These children also suffer from symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and loss of appetite, Lloyd said.

Adults who have become ill with the Omicron variant have reported similar symptoms from the Omicron variant, which include fatigue, body aches, headache, and scratchy throat.

“We’ve always had a small cohort of patients with COVID who are getting funny rashes, but up to 15% of the Omicron children are getting an unusual rash. So, we’re starting to learn a little bit more about the virus and we are starting to look out for it," Lloyd said.

“So let’s hope that it isn’t as deadly as the Delta and let’s hope that we can get on top of it. But it’s a concerning time.”

Additional concern over the Omicron variant comes as the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine is questioned.

Pfizer and Moderna have said that they are currently testing their vaccines for efficacy against the Omicron strain and could release a reformulated shot in early 2022.

Health officials, however, have urged people to get vaccinated and get their booster dose, saying this was the best line of defense against the Omicron strain of the virus.

The Omicron was first detected in South Africa and deemed a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on Nov. 26.

sick child
Representational image of a sick child. Victoria_Borodinova - Pixabay
RELATED STORIES