Data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that Omicron now makes up for up to 95% of COVID-19 cases, and the case numbers show no sign of dropping.
Medical professionals agree that getting vaccinated and, if you're previously vaccinated, getting boosted is the best method to alleviate Omicron symptoms.
While those who have been vaccinated can catch Omicron, the symptoms are dramatically different (fewer people are losing their sense of taste and smell) and are far milder than those who have not been inoculated.
"People that get these conditions, people who get Omicron, Delta, or Influenza, don't really have big appetites," Dr. Robert G. Lahita MD, Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health, told ETNT. "With Omicron the throat is so sore, it's as though you have strep throat. Even liquids hurt."
That being established, here are some foods Dr. Lahita says you can eat to make you feel better while battling Omicron.
Electrolyte-containing beverages
Fluids are essential. It's usually a good idea to have some electrolytes on hand, especially if you're vomiting and have diarrhea. If you drink electrolytes, which Gatorade and other nutritional beverages give, you won't run out of potassium and your sodium levels will remain normal.
Ice cream
It may sound strange, but according to Dr. Lahita, ice cream can be a stomach filler that is easier to consume when you have a sore throat.
Because extreme weight loss can be a side effect of acquiring a virus owing to a lack of appetite, ice cream can help fill your stomach while also keeping the weight on.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the best foods you can eat when you have Omicron. It's silky, chilled, and soothing to the throat, as well as high in protein to keep you satisfied. For potassium, cut up some bananas and stir them in. But the bananas have to be small bits because remember, it's going to be very tough for those with Omicron to swallow.
Broths and soups
A cup of soup or broth is another easy "meal" for the throat. If you have the appetite, a soup that has some form of protein and vegetables in it will help with giving your body some of the nutrients it needs while you fight the infection.
Are citruses a good idea?
Eating citrus-rich foods and drinking orange juice for vitamin C may appear to be a natural immune booster to grab for when you're sick, but Dr. Lahita says it won't be satisfying for you to eat if you have Omicron.
"It will be difficult to swallow some of these foods, so that's why I'm suggesting to start very gently with soft foods like yogurt and other probiotics," Dr. Lahita pointed out.
