COVID-19 symptoms and the Omicron variant: What the latest studies show Most reports indicate that even the latest Omicron subvariant doesn't lead to severe symptoms in breakthrough cases, nor a spike in hospitalizations or death outright. "If you want to be extra careful, you can do it at 10, but just with what we're seeing, I would consider you really in the clear. . People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. According to the CDC, symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste or . Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. Runny or stuffy nose. Even if Omicron can feel like "just a cold to those fully vaccinated, it is much more transmissible. 3 Common Omicron BA.2.12.1 COVID-19 Subvariant Symptoms - Good Housekeeping 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. How do you know you are infected with Omicron? - Medical News Today Other symptoms may show up with the newer strains, George Rutherford, MD, a professor of epidemiology at the University of California, San Francisco, told Health. Symptoms of Covid affecting the fully vaccinated | The Independent Lab tests show some falling way short of filtration standards. The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose, according to a CDC analysis of the first 43 cases investigated in the . And will it take Utah for a wild ride?. Leading experts say you should take 3 upper respiratory symptoms seriously and test for COVID-19 sooner rather than later. Individuals with Medicare can get up to eight free tests a month, and many private insurance plans also cover them. The body's milder response to a BA.4 or BA.5 infection means people may not realize they have it and can spread it. BA.2.12.1 cases are coming at a time when spring allergies are affecting many Americans, which is why it's crucial to identify potentially misleading symptoms and consider COVID-19 testing sooner. While health officials didn't know as of September 2022 how they might affect the population, the good news is that symptoms don't seem to be that much different or worse than with Omicron or other types of COVID-19. If your test comes back positive, ask your doctor if youre eligible for a COVID-19 treatment, such as one of the new antivirals even if your symptoms are mild. And when comparing rates of smell and taste loss during the earlier phases of the pandemic to more recent variant waves, researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University found thatthe chances of the symptom occurringwere 17 percent for omicron, 44 percent for delta and 50 percent for the alpha variant. Add some good to your morning and evening. "We should keep our eyes wide open to what side effects and adverse events might occur, and still keep in mind that this is a new product," Offit says. We are also still learning about long COVID. Risk for severe illness stemming from this particular subvariant applies to those who have yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19, or those who have had an incomplete vaccination series as well as those who have yet to receive a recommended third booster vaccine. Omicron symptoms can look like flu and cold symptoms and cause headache, sore throat and runny nose. At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. This is likely how BA.2.12.1 is spreading quite rapidly; in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut alone, the viral subvariant is tied to upwards of 70% of new infections alone, per recent reports. With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . AARP Members Only Access to Special Health Content, Access AARP health Smart Guides, articles and special content. 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 . 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. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . This particular subvariant is the most infectious of the Omicron collection of viruses, as the third iteration of Omicron that first began increasing breakthrough COVID-19 cases late last fall. Symptoms of loss of taste and smell are related to COVID, so if you develop symptoms and are at high-risk, then definitely get tested since there is now treatment for early disease, Gulick said. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including: "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. So far, research shows that its more transmissible and causes less severe disease than earlier variants, like Delta. 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. Morris said symptoms indicative of pneumonia or respiratory failure, like shortness of breath, chest pain, cough tend to show up later, between day five and 10. . Omicron can affect your gut; symptoms to watch out for Oklahoma COVID-19 cases, deaths, omicron variant, testing sites Many of the common omicron variant symptoms resemble other COVID-19 symptoms. Omicron symptoms: How COVID-19 variant compares to flu or cold In case you contract COVID, diarrhea can hit you on the first day of your infection and might increase in intensity during the first week of illness. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. How Many Times Can You Get Reinfected With the Same COVID Variant? The Washington State Department of Health reported on Jan. 26 that 60 percent of Omicron patients reported having a headache, making it one of the most-common symptoms of the variant. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? And while many people who have come down with an omicron infection dodged serious COVID-19 complications, its important to note that omicron is not mild for everyone. again. If youre unsure if you have a cold or COVID, get tested as soon as possible. An 85-year Harvard study found the No. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. "If you do have the option, please use the virtual ED type of models to speak to a provider who can give you some advice about whether you need to head in or not," she said. The Omicron Variant of COVID-19 - WebMD It doesnt even make the list of the top five symptoms in the ongoing ZOE COVID Study, according to a Sept. 13 update. "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less . "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. Both subvariants spread more quickly, maybe because people don't realize they are sick with the virus. Free online workshop! In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Omicron cases on the . You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID. They also examined clinical trial data on earlier versions of bivalent boosters targeting omicron's BA.1 subvariant. Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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. People who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Headache. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . Emergency care for COVID-19 symptoms. Others include headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sneezing, nausea and loss of appetite. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Viral Immunology. . Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. If you're still wearing a single-ply cloth mask, it won't offer you enough protection and it's time to search out something better. Since BA.4 and BA.5 have become the dominant strains, Dr. Wesley Long, an experimental pathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital,told CNNthat he has seen cases of reinfection. Some of the symptoms that one may experience in the stomach are - abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and diarrhoea, rather than breathing issues, coughing, fever, etc. "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. "We know that vaccine effectiveness against severe disease and death remains high for other Omicron [types] and likely also for BA.4 and 5," Walensky said. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the most common symptoms of BA.5 are: Fever. the risk really is very low.". Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. What should you do if you think you have Omicron? Night sweats, another symptom cited by a doctor at a media briefing in South Africa early in the country's Omicron wave, has been touted by tabloids as "a telltale sign which only happens at night . However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . Here's what we know about what a BA.4 or BA.5 infection can look like and whether symptoms are any more severe than other COVID-19 strains. Of those, 220.2 million are fully vaccinated. 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. Headache. Stay warm and drink plenty of liquids, says Dr. O'Connor. While the research continues to evolve, so far, it shows that vaccinated people are less likely to go on and have long COVID. He said that symptoms such as runny nose, cough, headaches, and muscle aches remain the most common across different variants. Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? Babcock says Omicron hasnt been around long enough yet to have a good sense of whether it is different from earlier variants when it comes to the likelihood of lingering symptoms. Read our, Experts Explain How COVID-19 May Be Causing New Cases of Diabetes, Too Soon to Tell If Omicron Will Create More Long COVID, What You Need to Know About the XBB.1.5 'Kraken' Variant. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. ; And how to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 strain. O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. A Division of NBC Universal. Others experience no symptoms at all. These 5 symptoms are the most common in omicron So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. 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. . You're only eligible for the new boosters if you've completed a primary vaccination series, meaning most people will have already received at least two doses ahead of time. "But we are certainly seeing an increase in cases in the community, and that's spilling over to more patients admitted with COVID.". "This list is not all . The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 strains of COVID-19 became the most common forms of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. in 2022. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. . Here's One Early Omicron Symptom You Should Watch for as Infections For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. Read our. Unlike previous versions, Omicron symptoms are mild in fully vaccinated people. 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. The B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) was first detected in specimens collected on November 11, 2021, in Botswana and on November 14 in South Africa;* the first confirmed case of Omicron in the United States was identified in California on December 1, 2021 (1).On November 29, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services was notified of six . 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.". We also need to keep in mind the true definition of mild, Hilary Babcock, MD, a professor of medicine who specializes in prevention of infection transmission at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, told Verywell. And Will I Need It Again? muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell. Sore throat. Did I have COVID-19? Here's seven signs you were sick and didn't know Every new COVID-19 variant raises questions about how the symptoms from a new type might affect our health, and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants are no different. This omicron variant symptom emerges in the stomach Read on to learn more about the newest Omicron subvariant and its most common symptoms. A passenger . Other people may have muscle aches, fever and chills. Are Symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 More Severe? 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 . Reuters. Opinion: How did COVID-19 start? A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Omicron variant symptoms: 2 new COVID symptoms you haven - Deseret News Diarrhea, a common symptom for earlier variants, may turn up. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been COVID symptoms since the initial COVID struck and may still strike you. Diarrhea; What is the COVID omicron variant? Omicron Covid variant symptoms? Here's what we know so far - CNBC A mild infection then could still leave you with a high fever, chills and muscle aches, and kind of knock you out for a few days, she said. Babcock acknowledges that there is social fatigue with the pandemic and its safety precautionsbut says they remain important. The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . diarrhea. Its updated booster has 25 micrograms targeting the original strain, and 25 targeting the omicron subvariants. Still, omicron appears to cause less severe illness than previous variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. 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. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. iStock. Starting the medications right away can significantly reduce your risks for being hospitalized with COVID-19. Dr. Rutherford estimated that the number of cases might be more than twice that reported. Idaho lawmaker wants to criminalize the most-used COVID-19 vaccines, What is Orthrus? These two new subtypes made up the majority of COVID cases in 2022, according to the CDC data tracker page. Some of the main symptoms of COVID are fever or chills, a cough, and new loss of taste or smell, but there are also other indicators. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. nausea or vomiting. Omicron appears to be continuing the trend set by Delta. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. Their data indicates that the five most reported Omicron symptoms are the same as those associated with Deltasymptoms that may be confused with the common cold, including runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat. Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. 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. Only 54% had a fever. ", "Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. Your session has expired, please login again. ", As of May 9, 2022, national forecasts predict 90010,200 new #COVID19 hospitalizations will likely be reported on June 3. Its possible you have COVID-19 but took the test before the virus was detectable. By Laura Hensley When Can More People Get a Second COVID Booster? Read on to learn what you need to know about the subvariants and how to stay healthy. Sore throat. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. Antibodies From Vaccines vs. Antibodies From Natural Infection, How Vaccine Makers Are Tackling the Omicron Variant. As of September 2022, BA.4 and BA.5 had been infecting large numbers of people for only a few months, making it difficult to confirm these slight differences in symptoms beyond what doctors were seeing.
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