Why Are There So Many Omicron SubvariantsAnd What Can They Tell Us About the Future of the Pandemic? . Omicron BA.5 variant | COVID-19 | UC Davis Health If you know or think you've got Omicron, stay home. A resident receives a Covid-19 booster shot at a vaccine clinic inside Trinity Evangelic Lutheran Church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, U.S, on Tuesday, Apr. Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. According to Reuters, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a private practitioner and chair of South African Medical Association, said on Sunday that symptoms of the omicron variant were so far mild and could . This is why getting booster shots, as well as flu shots, masking, and getting tested remain important, he says. The good news is that overall, Omicron is milder than Delta in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, Gulick says. Published Jan 4, 2022. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. The Omicron variant is the most transmissible variant to date for all age groups, including both adults and children. Listen. "If your heart [is] missing beats or skipping beats or if your heart's really racing, those would be the other warning signs that really should be taken very seriously," he said. That's great data because it shows that vaccination is protective, not just against getting infected and ending up in the hospital and dyingall of which are really good benefitsbut also, your risk of getting long COVID is much lower if you are vaccinated, she said. Individuals over the age of 50 or those considered to be clinically immunocompromised are encouraged to seek out a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine now to keep infection risks low. Your session has expired, please login again. If you can, isolate from the rest of your household. It's also important to remember that COVID-19 affects everyone differently. So far, research shows that its more transmissible and causes less severe disease than earlier variants, like Delta. Zoe COVID apps data showed, one in five patients gets COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron strains, even if they had two or three doses of vaccination. diarrhea. Even now, for people who haven't gotten vaccinated, they can still benefit from vaccination.. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. Though more people were in the hospital in 2022, the number of deaths nationwide plateaued from April to September 2022, according to the CDC. But other common COVID-19 symptoms, like cough, fever, and loss of smell or taste, are still important signs to watch out for with the Omicron . A U.K. study of around 750,000 people found recently that the top five symptoms for both the Delta and Omicron variants are currently a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and a sore throat . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. AARP Members Only Access to Special Health Content, Access AARP health Smart Guides, articles and special content. Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. Stage three is when early symptoms start to pop up, like lower back ache, night sweats and a scratchy throat. Oklahoma COVID-19 cases, deaths, omicron variant, testing sites The top symptoms with Omicron infections, according to a ZOE study, are . BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. "Be mindful of your symptoms and test early for COVID so that you can take steps to protect others from infection, especially as it relates to events like these. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Omicron cases on the . Those patients go on to develop symptomstwo or three days later, and then often find their symptoms startimprovingthree or four days after that. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Many Times Can You Get Reinfected With the Same COVID Variant? congestion or runny nose. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been COVID symptoms since the initial COVID struck and may still strike you. Omicron has blindsided the world: Here are the symptoms and - Fortune The symptoms that arise from a case of COVID-19 caused by the now-dominant omicron strain known as BA.5 don't seem to differ from those caused by its parent variant or any of the other omicron offshoots, experts say. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. What doctors wish patients knew about the BA.2 Omicron subvariant She notes they can also be purchased online. "That's good because they're not getting seriously sick, they're not threatening the healthcare system, but it's certainly of some concern because they do have the potential to transmit to others.". New confusion. While the research continues to evolve, so far, it shows that vaccinated people are less likely to go on and have long COVID. Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they? - Mayo Clinic Oops! These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. The quick spread of BA.4 and BA.5 sets them apart from other Omicron strains. Cold-like symptoms - including a runny nose, sore throat and persistent sneezing - became more common, along with a headache and cough, particularly in people who had been vaccinated. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of The Omicron Variant - HuffPost "The symptoms of the Omicron variant, which includes the BA.2 lineage, and the Delta variant, are similar," Erica Johnson, MD, . Omicron has been circulating in the U.S. for just about a year now, and in that time, researchers have learned more about the variant, including the symptoms it can cause. Rapid antigen tests may be just as hard to find. Muscle or body aches. Comments are welcome while open. Although milder symptoms are better in many respects, omicron has made itmore difficult for people to tellwhats COVID-19 and whats just a cold or the flu or a whole host of other respiratory illnesses that circulate this time of year. An increase in new cases is being linked to common symptoms related to this highly contagious variant, which may be indistinguishable from other seasonal conditions this spring. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. This abandoned high school was converted into a 31-unit apartment building, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now available at pharmacies and clinics nationwide, held true during the last round of booster shots, Redness and swelling at the injection site. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. CBC Marketplace tested KN95 and KF94 masks sold online and at big box stores. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . "It is highly anticipated that a more targeted vaccine to current variants will be needed for the fall.". How to treat yourself at home if you get COVID-19, Why COVID-19 hospitalizations of Canadian kids and infants could keep rising as Omicron spreads. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.". How to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 subvariant: Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. This omicron variant symptom emerges in the stomach Half of them didnt offer the level of protection theyre supposed to. More infections were driving a higher number of COVID-19 hospitalizations rather than more severe symptoms. Joint pain. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . According to the Zoe health app, COVID diarrhea can last for up to seven days. Sometimes a fever. We continue to see new variants, and their different lineages and sublineages, emerge & disappear as they compete against each other. Early reports indicate that Omicron variant symptoms may be milder in nature compared to other variations of SARS-CoV-2, but experts say more research is needed. The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . Government officials are racing to collect new information on how current vaccines stack up in protecting Americans from the spread of BA.2.12.1, alongside its genetic characteristics that sets it apart from other SARS-CoV-2 viruses. . With some omicron cases, particularly breakthrough infections in those who are boosted and vaccinated, remaining mild, many are wondering how to tell if it's a cold, the flu or COVID-19. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "There's been an increase in the rate of COVID cases in the U.S. recently, currently above 80,000 [new] cases per day," he says, adding that it's dramatically less than the 800,000+ cases per day noted at the start of 2022. ", "Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. Fever. "If you are eligible for the additional booster this spring, please get it to receive additional protection against both mild and severe disease," Dr. Huang advises. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID. Omicron symptoms can look like flu and cold symptoms and cause headache, sore throat and runny nose. "We just don't have any data on this [yet], essentially giving two vaccines in one shot but biologically, I just wouldn't expect the side effects, severity or the safety profile of the shots to be different from the current mRNA vaccines and boosters," Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and member of an independent advisory group to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tells CNBC Make It. "You will still be eligible for the upcoming fall booster that will have modifications to improve its effect against newer variants. And ever since, vaccine and booster eligibility has only expanded. Many of the common omicron variant symptoms resemble other COVID-19 symptoms. Those symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, aches and pains, a dry cough, fever, nausea and diarrhea. People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. If You've Never Had COVID Are You More Susceptible to Variants? This omicron variant symptom emerges in the stomach - MSN While vaccine immunity helps lower the severity of infection, it doesnt offer complete protection. So, he recommends masking at home, and opening windows to improve ventilation when you can, to help limit transmission. Most people will have a saturation of between 97 and 100 per cent, she says. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. In the winter, when we experience cold and flu season, it can be hard to differentiate a COVID infection from other viruses. Moderna's monovalent shot contains 50 micrograms of mRNA per dose targeting the original strain. Congestion or runny nose. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. "We aren't seeing at this point in timealthough we continue to monitor closelya steep increase in our number of ICU stays or deaths from COVID," Dr. Passaretti said. Omicron-specific Covid booster shot side effects: What to expect - CNBC People infected with BA.5 may experience these typical COVID-19 symptoms, sore throat, and fatigue, but they are less likely to report fevers or loss of taste and smell, said Andy Pekosz, PhD, a virologist and professor . Peter Gulick, DO, an associate professor of medicine at Michigan State University, told Verywell that the symptoms of Omicron mainly remain in the upper respiratory tract and can include a sore throat, congestion, runny nose and headache. Omicron Symptoms: Is Throwing Up a Sign of COVID-19 Infection? Omicron-positive patients suffer from gut-related problems like Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Heartburn and Bloating Testing, if you suspect you have COVID, can help curb spread and protect others. Gulick says people who are over 65 years old, those who are immunocompromised, and those with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, can still get seriously ill. With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . Diarrhea. "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. Aria Bendix and Hilary Brueck. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,told NBC Newsthat a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. Still, omicron appears to cause less severe illness than previous variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes. Rules and guidance around what to do are changing rapidly, but there are a few key things you need to know right now. SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant United States Remove some to bookmark this image. nausea or vomiting. What we know about the Omicron variant | UNICEF Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. Many are asking these questions as omicron cases surge nationwide and as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update their quarantine and isolation guidelines, which now differ depending on whether or not you have a symptomatic infection. In earlier variants, infection caused more harm to the lungs. Those looking to get tested after exposure should do so five days after the exposure or if they begin experiencing, the CDC recommends. 9 Omicron COVID-19 Symptoms Infectious Disease Experts Say You Shouldn An 85-year Harvard study found the No. Some may also experience changes in taste or smell." Some of the most specific available data on Omicron symptoms comes from the U.K. Zoe COVID Study App . Sore throat. These two new subtypes made up the majority of COVID cases in 2022, according to the CDC data tracker page. Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. " Researchers around the world are working tirelessly to learn everything they can about this newest iteration of the virus, which boasts a "Frankenstein mix" of mutations, including more than 30 on the all-important spike protein. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and avoid poorly ventilated areas. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. "If you had an exposure, you're vaccinated and boosted, I don't think that there is any need to be testing, frankly, past about seven days," she said. Diarrhoea Could Be An Unusual Symptom of Omicron - TheHealthSite Diarrhea as a symptom of COVID-19 has significant consequences for public health. Seek medical attention right away if the vaccine recipient has any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over . Individuals with Medicare can get up to eight free tests a month, and many private insurance plans also cover them. Oklahoma COVID-19 cases, deaths, omicron variant, testing sites We do not know about the clinical severity of BA.4 and BA.5 in comparison to our other Omicron subvariants, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at a White House COVID-19 Response Team briefing, per CNN. ", As of May 9, 2022, national forecasts predict 90010,200 new #COVID19 hospitalizations will likely be reported on June 3. So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. Be sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking other medications that those painkillers might interfere with. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. "Especially in people who we're seeing these more mild breakthrough infections, we are definitely seeing sore throat be a predictor in that group," Arwady said. Here's One Early Omicron Symptom You Should Watch for as Infections When To Get Boosted After Having a COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection, CDC recommends the first COVID-19 booster, Trends in number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US reported to the CDC, by state/territory. The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. COVID-19 Boosters Are Being Updated To Target Omicron SubvariantsHere's Why. For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. Together, the evidence shows a potential roadmap for the side effects you can expect after getting one of the new boosters, and how severe those side effects might be. But Passaretti has heard that people with BA.5 or Omicron may experience worse fevers and sore throats. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are unpredictable. "I think if you're being extra careful there, if you wanted to test again, you know, at seven even, sometimes people look at three to get an earlier sense of things. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about the virus. Health officials arenow recommendingthat everyone 12 and older get an updated booster shot thats designed to better target omicron and its subvariants. We are also still learning about long COVID. "Preliminary data from studies in Beijing and South Africa have signaled what is expected; new variants and subvariants may be more likely to cause reinfection in an individual who was previously infected with an old variant," Dr. Nagrani explains. pic.twitter.com/MK9wK8GdwB. Shutterstock. New confusion. Hospitalization rates have decreased dramatically since their peak in January, but still, thousands of individuals are still being admitted daily for COVID-19 and the vast majority of them are older Americans. If symptoms, like coughing, are bad, seek medical help.. Over 80% commonly reported a cough, while 72% experienced a sore throat. KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! Covid symptoms: Gastrointestinal signs possible link to Omicron "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. "If any of these [symptoms] persist . In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. Fever. Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Cough. . When we let our guards down and skip out on booster appointments or throw away masks, we are giving the virus more opportunities to spread. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . Vomiting. As with the symptoms themselves, it was too early as of September 2022 to tell just how severely the variants might affect patients. Omicron has become the dominant variant of the coronavirus in the U.S. Our understanding of the variant continues to evolve, but we know more about Omicron now than we did when it first appearedincluding its symptoms. Some people may never experience symptoms, though they can still spread the virus. If someone else in your household has tested positive or has symptoms, it's probably safe to assume you do, too. The updated booster shots contain the same number of micrograms, with 15 targeting the original strain and the other 15 targeting BA.4 and BA.5. Sure Signs You May Have Omicron, Say Experts - Eat This Not That It'll just take a moment. The symptoms that arise from a case of COVID-19 caused by the now-dominant omicron strain known as BA.5 dont seem to differ from those caused by its parent variant or any of the other omicron offshoots, experts say. The CDC reports that people's most common complaints when infected with Omicron include cough, runny nose, congestion, and fatigue. COVID-19 symptoms and the Omicron variant: What the latest studies show Moreover, though they tend to cause less severe infections as compared to their predecessors, some symptoms seem to be common. Runny or stuffy nose. That's how we treat it, that's how you should treat it.". People who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. He also says that on top of vaccines, its important people wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid indoor crowds whenever possible. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. Those who are unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said. ", A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them Good Housekeeping, 35 Delicious Pantry Recipes That Use What's Already in Your Cabinets and Freezer Good Housekeeping, The Amish keep to themselves. You need to be cautiouseven though for most people who are vaccinated with a booster, they will likely experience only a mild disease," he said. In fact, when comparing variants, there are usually more symptom similarities than there are differences, says Scott Roberts, M.D., assistant professor and associate medical director of infection prevention at Yale School of Medicine. Another consideration: Shortly after omicron burst on the scene, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized twoantiviral medicationsthat can help keep a mild infection from progressing to a serious one. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. Starting the medications right away can significantly reduce your risks for being hospitalized with COVID-19. But we do know it to be more transmissible and more immune-evading. While vaccines reduced the impact of Omicron, they themselves were impacted: studies have shown that vaccine effectiveness against infection, disease, hospitalization and death waned (though at different rates) over time. "If you use the cloth mask as an overlay over top of a surgical mask or a medical mask that sort of improves the quality of the fit on your face,"saidOughton. New COVID Variants May Fuel a Winter SurgeWhat to Know About BQ.1, XBB, and Others, Omicron Infection Timeline: When Symptoms Start and How Long They Last, BA.2.75 Is the Newest Omicron SubvariantHere's What We Know So Far. "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. Like the other Omicron strains that have been dominant in the U.S. since December 2021, experts say BA.4 and BA.5 mainly cause cold-like symptoms and respiratory or breathing issues. Once a classic sign of COVID-19 infection, loss of sense of smell or taste seems to be less common among patients getting sick with BA.4 and BA.5, Dr. Passaretti noted. Omicron Symptoms Most Commonly Appear Like This Copyright HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved.