The latest Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariant, which scientists have labeled BA.2.12.1, is on track to become the most virulent strain in the United States currently. Wearing a mask is not really that hard; getting a vaccine and getting a booster is, for most people now, fairly accessible, she said. We are also still learning about long COVID. Fatigue. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Omicron-positive patients suffer from gut-related problems like Nausea, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Heartburn and Bloating Omicron has numerous mutations with potential to increase transmissibility, confer resistance to therapeutics, or partially escape infection- or vaccine-induced . However, protection against hospitalization and death have remained high, preventing millions of people from dying, WHO pointed out, Download the Mint app and read premium stories. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. Taking those steps will really help. She's the deputy medical director of the emergency departments at the University Health Network in Toronto. Aria Bendix and Hilary Brueck. "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. Runny or stuffy nose. Diarrhea as a symptom of COVID-19 has significant consequences for public health. Let's delve deeper to understand this: Zoe COVID app, which keeps track of COVID symptoms through positive patients using the app, notified that most Omicron patients complain of diarrhea. For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. More than 1 million prescriptions for these antiviral pills were filled at pharmacies between Dec. 23, 2021, and May 21, 2022,a CDC report shows. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. Listen. Sore, scratchy throat . Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? The quick spread of BA.4 and BA.5 sets them apart from other Omicron strains. In the fall of 2022, experts weren't sure how severely the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants would affect the U.S. population. The incubation period for Omicron is shorter compared to previous variants, and is about three days, saysOughton, an infectious diseases specialist at Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. More: https://t.co/Xys80ZGlxV. Comments are welcome while open. We continue to see new variants, and their different lineages and sublineages, emerge & disappear as they compete against each other. It found five symptoms were the most common: These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. They may be all equally severe or present different . The Omicron coronavirus variant is very transmissible, making it likely you or someone you know will catch it. Diarrhea. According to the Zoe health app, COVID diarrhea can last for up to seven days. And ever since, vaccine and booster eligibility has only expanded. Reuters. Even if Omicron can feel like "just a cold to those fully vaccinated, it is much more transmissible. Here's what to do if you think you have Omicron and when you might need to go to the hospital. 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. Fact-checked on July 14, 2022, by Marley Hall, a writer and fact checker specializing in medical and health information. Sometimes a fever. 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. The BA.1 trials only tested a few hundred people, which is a relatively small sample size compared to the thousands of Americans set to receive the new BA.5 doses, Offit notes. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 caused the vast majority of COVID-19 infections in 2022. Omicron appears to cause milder symptoms than previous variantsespecially in fully vaccinated people. Loss of appetite makes sense, too, if one of the main new symptoms is vomiting. December data from the ZOE COVID Study app, a global initiative to track COVID cases and symptoms, adds fatigue and sneezing to the list of common Omicron symptoms. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. Definitely, ideally, you'd be seeking out that test at five and I would do it again, you know, at the seven, potentially at that 10. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. In many parts of Canada, it can be extremely difficult to get access to PCR testing to determine if you have COVID and that's if you meet the criteria. You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! Those shots were never released to the public, because BA.1 was quickly surpassed by other omicron subvariants but their design is extremely similar to the shots now available at pharmacies and clinics nationwide. But if your oxygen levels drop and you start to feel dizzy or short of breath, you may need to get treatment for COVID-19 at a hospital. Because these symptoms can easily be mistaken for a common cold, especially during a time when travel restrictions are being lifted, many choose not to seek out a COVID-19 test initially until other symptoms present later down the road. "Other early symptoms are sneezing, or a runny nose both of these often cause infected individuals to think they are suffering from allergies or a mild cold, which they hope is not COVID. 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. Diarrhea. Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are: runny nose. The good news is that overall, Omicron is milder than Delta in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, Gulick says. In this article, you'll learn: Common symptoms associated with the BA.2.12.1 strain; a full list of potential COVID-19 symptoms; Does the latest Omicron subvariant spread faster than others? Digestive symptoms sometimes develop before a fever and respiratory symptoms. Loss of appetite. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about the virus. A study by the U.K.'s Health Security Agency comparing symptoms of omicron and delta found the occurrence of nausea and vomiting was about the same with both variants. AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Since it emerged in November 2021, the Omicron COVID variant has completely changed the course of the pandemic. Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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. Copyright HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . Cosmopolitan, Sign up for Yahoo Lifes daily newsletter, how current vaccines stack up in protecting Americans, yet to receive a recommended third booster vaccine, Women who had ovarian cysts share their stories, A sugar replacement may be linked to heart attacks and strokes, but don't throw it out yet. The new shots have the same dosage amounts as the original vaccines, which further suggests that their safety profiles could be similar, Offit says. 1. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. By Laura Hensley Fatigue. If you do have access to a rapid test, test yourself a day or so after a suspected exposure, and don't assume that your negative result means you're in the clear. 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. 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 . If someone else in your household has tested positive or has symptoms, it's probably safe to assume you do, too. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. World health leaders are warning that omicron, the new COVID variant discovered in November, could cause "severe consequences. According to data corralled by officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the viral subvariant which has yet to earn an informal nickname, but scientists have labeled BA.2.12.1 has been linked to 43% of total COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is a major jump from the 7% it was accounting for back in early April. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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. Susan Huang, M.D., the medical director of epidemiology and infection prevention at UCI Health in Orange County, indicates that current data available to healthcare providers suggest this latest Omicron subvariant is highly contagious. 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. And if you are sick, or suspect you could be sick, stay home. Its also important to get your booster shot, wear a mask, and avoid large crowds whenever possible. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. In a White House press briefing, Dr. Walensky noted that people still need to be vigilant in staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. "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. If you can, isolate from the rest of your household. Further, 30 percent of patients with the Alpha variant (dominant in late 2020) experienced diarrhea. Oughton cautions that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recently warned about counterfeit respirators, like N95 masks, and says he wouldn't be surprised if Canadians experience the same problems. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Omicron appears to be continuing the trend set by Delta. Gulick says that even for those who are vaccinated, a reinfection rate may be as high as 30%. If you're not vaccinated or boosted, I certainly have a much higher concern that you could get infected. Diarrhea. AARP Members Only Access to Special Health Content, Access AARP health Smart Guides, articles and special content. "People have to understand, if they feel sick, we don't want them not coming to the emergency department because they're scared. Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory. . "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". And theyre hiding a horrifying secret. "It is highly anticipated that a more targeted vaccine to current variants will be needed for the fall.". Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. 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. 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. Did Woody Harrelson promote a COVID-19 anti-vaccine theory on Saturday Night Live? What To Know About the First Updated COVID-19 Booster, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare. 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. WATCH |CBC's Marketplace has tips on how to spot counterfeit masks: In the meantime, you can adapt existing masks for better protection to filter particles in the environment. "Rapid diagnosis, early diagnosis, and treatment is the way to go," Dr. Rutherford said. The omicron subvariant of COVID-19, BA.5, became one of the dominant strains of the virus in the fall of 2022 in the U.S. At that time, it was the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination. The U.S. CDC has highlighted the variety of Covid symptoms that have been reported, noting "anyone can have mild to severe symptoms" that may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus . According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. But health experts have noted a few differences between the omicron family and its predecessors. Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. "You should get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any of the 11 known COVID symptoms," says Dr . People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. What You Need to Know About the Updated COVID-19 Boosters. The variant is shattering case records and sending test positivity rates soaring. She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . He also says that on top of vaccines, its important people wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid indoor crowds whenever possible. Is your N95-style mask failing you? Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Cough. And like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine can help prevent serious flu complications from ever occurring. Not only are the symptoms from a BA.4 and BA.5 infection similar to other Omicron variants, but they also seem to have a similar severity, Dr. Passaretti and Dr. Rutherford said. More than 101.3 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . Nausea. . A new subvariant of the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to a COVID-19 diagnosis, has overtaken earlier variations (including "stealth" Omicron) to likely become the most viral variant here in the United States. Muscle pain. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and avoid poorly ventilated areas. That's how we treat it, that's how you should treat it.". O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. It does indeed seem that BA.2.12.1 is more easily transmissible than earlier strains of Omicron SARS-CoV-2, as experts have established it is about 25% more transmissible than "stealth" Omicron, or about 75% more transmissible than original Omicron strains that impacted the 2021 winter holiday season. If you're thinking of getting an omicron-specific Covid booster shot, you might be wondering what its side effects are and how severe they might be. "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. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. Headache. Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady previously stated. Cough. Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. These two new subtypes made up the majority of COVID cases in 2022, according to the CDC data tracker page. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . 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. sore throat. In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. If symptoms, like coughing, are bad, seek medical help.. These include: A runny nose This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. Fever. Previously she was a reporter and editor for WTOP Radio in Washington, D.C. A recipient of a Gracie Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, she also participated in a dementia fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Although the first cases of Omicron were observed in late 2021, the variant might have been around for several months. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Why are more workers returning to the office in Asia and Europe than the U.S.? Its updated booster has 25 micrograms targeting the original strain, and 25 targeting the omicron subvariants. Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include: The CDC also has what it calls a "coronavirus self checker" that allows people to answer a series of questions to determine if they should seek medical care. 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. Unlike previous versions, Omicron symptoms are mild in fully vaccinated people. Oughton noted that he is seeing fewer people who experience a loss of taste or smell with Omicron as compared to previous variants, although it is still happening to some. "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. But for the most part, most symptoms Rutherford was aware of were respiratory. If youre unsure if you have a cold or COVID, get tested as soon as possible. Oops! Mild or severe fatigue. BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. 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 . 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who test positive for COVID-19 need . So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. 5, 2022. Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Side effect data isn't available yet because the new boosters were approved by the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before fully completing their clinical trials. Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. Many people are reporting cold-like symptoms come with Omicron, particularly among the vaccinated or boosted. Those who are fully up-to-date on their shots are at less risk of mild infection, Dr. Huang stresses; but they are not impervious to getting sick, even if it's a second COVID-19 sickness. Predict the closing value of sensex and win free subscription. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. A Division of NBC Universal. 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. A study conducted by researchers in Norway, following an omicron outbreak in November 2021, interviewed over a hundred individuals, with 89% vaccinated but not boosted. The CDC reports that people's most common complaints when infected with Omicron include cough, runny nose, congestion, and fatigue. Omicron BA.2 was the dominant . WATCH | Tips for treatingyour Omicron symptoms: If you can, it's important to get vaccinated or boosted. A passenger . Because omicron symptoms can be mistaken for the common cold or flu, doctors urge anyone experiencing them to isolate until symptoms subside. 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. At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. Fever or chills. The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. 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 . The bigger picture: These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are .
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