Society

Tokyo survey: More COVID patients have headaches, fevers in Omicron wave

Feb 10 (NHK) - Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say people who contract the coronavirus are more likely to suffer from headaches and fevers in the latest wave of infections.

The metropolitan government surveyed residents who were self-isolating at home or in designated accommodations after they tested positive. The survey targeted people who contracted the virus after they had received two vaccinations.

The survey was conducted twice -- in August when Japan was hit by the 5th wave of infections, and in January during the 6th and latest wave, mostly cases of the Omicron variant.

The survey shows that people with the coronavirus who suffered from headaches increased from 59.3 percent in August to 76 percent in January.

Those who developed fever increased from 57.7 percent to 73.1 percent.

The survey also found that the ratio of those who complained of sore throats increased from 45.3 percent to 66.4 percent.

Tokyo officials reported the findings on Thursday at a meeting of experts to assess the pandemic situation in the capital.

One expert stressed that the rollout of third shots needs to be accelerated, as the efficacy of vaccines could wane over time.

The expert said the Omicron variant is often thought to only cause mild symptoms, but some patients have complained of severe sore throats.

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