Babcock acknowledges that there is social fatigue with the pandemic and its safety precautionsbut says they remain important. 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. "At the moment, we don't have medications that we can prescribe that someone can take at home. COVID-19 Boosters Are Being Updated To Target Omicron SubvariantsHere's Why. 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. 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. 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. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. 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. Tiredness. Runny nose. Fatigue. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. It'll just take a moment. Omicron estimated to be 95.4% of coronavirus variants in U.S. - CDC, From Delta to Omicron: Analysing the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in France using variant-specific screening tests (September 1 to December 18, 2021). Why are more workers returning to the office in Asia and Europe than the U.S.? How Many Times Can You Get Reinfected With the Same COVID Variant? 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 . AARP Membership - LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. The FDA recommends taking another test 48 hours after the first. Remove some to bookmark this image. Johnson and Campbell note that there have been some reports of higher rates of upper respiratory tract symptoms with omicron, including sore throat and nasal congestion. Diarrhea. Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. 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. Here's what to do if you think you have Omicron and when you might need to go to the hospital. Rules and guidance around what to do are changing rapidly, but there are a few key things you need to know right now. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . 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. "It is highly anticipated that a more targeted vaccine to current variants will be needed for the fall.". 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you know or think you've got Omicron, stay home. O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. 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. Earlier this month the most common signs of Omicron symptoms were revealed after sufferers logged their ailments in an extensive ZOE Covid Study - with the top five remaining as runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat. Only 54% had a fever. A sore throat and hoarse voice may also be more common among people infected with omicron, compared with delta, researchers in the U.K. discovered. If you experience diarrhea with COVID-19, you are not alone. Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are: runny nose. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test - that's COVID. 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. 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. Babcock says that new data shows that people who were vaccinated and got infected with a previous variant of the virus had a much lower risk of long COVID than unvaccinated people who got infected. More than 101.3 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose. 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. Sometimes a fever. Oops! "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. How the Pandemic Will Be Different in 2022, Be sure to check the date on the box before you test yourself, Why COVID-19 Variants Have Greek Names, AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx, Free Rx discount card for use at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. . The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. Both subvariants spread more quickly, maybe because people don't realize they are sick with the virus. Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? It is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. Sneezing. 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. It doesnt even make the list of the top five symptoms in the ongoing ZOE COVID Study, according to a Sept. 13 update. 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. 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. "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. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. 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. Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. Moderna's trial found that nearly 59% of participants experienced fatigue, but only about 4% experienced that at a Grade 3 level, which is defined as significant fatigue that prevents daily activity. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she said. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. 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. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. 5, 2022. "You will still be eligible for the upcoming fall booster that will have modifications to improve its effect against newer variants. Those who are boosted and vaccinated, or those who are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for a booster shot, do not need to quarantine, but should wear masks for 10 days and also get tested five days after the exposure, unless they are experiencing symptoms. According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If someone else in your household has tested positive or has symptoms, it's probably safe to assume you do, too. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. medRxiv. Can Omicron symptoms be distinguished from Delta symptoms? But Passaretti has heard that people with BA.5 or Omicron may experience worse fevers and sore throats. Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. . Diarrhea. . Will BA.2 Cause Another COVID Wave in the U.S.? Sign up now:Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter, Get Make It newsletters delivered to your inbox, Learn more about the world of CNBC Make It, 2023 CNBC LLC. 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. 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. 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. Over 80% commonly reported a cough, while 72% experienced a sore throat. "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Roughly 26% of participants experienced a mild or moderate headache, while only 0.3% experienced a severe one. Read on to learn what you need to know about the subvariants and how to stay healthy. The potential for the virus to be transmitted via the fecal-oral route presents additional challenges for areas . Nausea. For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. Headache. "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. From the symptoms to how it spreads, everything about this variant was different from its predecessors. Comments are welcome while open. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. nausea or vomiting. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. Even if Omicron can feel like "just a cold to those fully vaccinated, it is much more transmissible. Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. "The vaccines will most likely remain effective with BA.2.12.1, as they were intended to prevent severe COVID and hospitalization but not for preventing infection [outright].". And ever since, vaccine and booster eligibility has only expanded. sore throat. @CDCgov is prepared to quickly identify any new variant & evaluate the public health impact.Updated variant proportions. Theirstudy, published inThe Lancet, also suggests that brain fog and dizziness are less prevalent in omicron cases. What we are finding with the omicron variant is that people are having symptoms that are similar to a common cold, which is what the vaccination does by changing a severe disease to a milder infection. Sore throat. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss have been reported in a number of patients across age groups. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. New . The most common Omicron symptoms include cough, fatigue, and a runny nose, according to health officials in the US and Europe. Antibodies From Vaccines vs. Antibodies From Natural Infection, How Vaccine Makers Are Tackling the Omicron Variant. And what are some of the first signs of an infection? At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. We want them to seek the appropriate medical care," she said. "It was really surprising, a lot of these sick patients that I was seeing, their oxygen saturations were extremely low and they just realized how short of breath they were when they came in.". Omicron BA.5 May Increase the Risk of Outdoor TransmissionHere's How to Stay Safe. Hundreds of Americans are still dying from COVID-19 each day. Runny or stuffy nose. 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. . Salamon also noted it's important for people who are seriously ill withCOVID,or another medical condition,to seek care at the hospital without hesitation. Scientists with the COVID Symptom Study have been tracking symptoms associated with newly diagnosed COVID cases since early in the pandemic. In fact, the most common omicron variant symptoms so far include muscle aches, fatigue, scratchy throat and night sweats, which are not overly severe, as I wrote for the Deseret News. 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. Predict the closing value of sensex and win free subscription. For instance, some studies report that loss of taste and smell once a telltale sign of COVID-19 occurs less often in omicron infections. Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. 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. The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. "We have also crossed the grim milestone of 1 million American lives lost to COVID.". According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of any variant of COVID-19 are: Fever or chills. Mild or severe fatigue. You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID. If youre unsure if you have a cold or COVID, get tested as soon as possible. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another option to consider if you test negative for COVID-19 but feel ill is a flu test, Washer says, since there are also treatments specific to this illness that can help you feel better. The variant is shattering case records and sending test positivity rates soaring. A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. Knowing the signs of Covid-19 is crucial to monitoring your own symptoms, or lack thereof. Text Size. Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? 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 . "And in that five-to-seven-day window, you know, there's some depending on whether people have been vaccinated, underlying conditions, etc., but the risk drops a lot and the feeling is that in the general population, combined with masking, etc. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! ", 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. "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. Fake customer care numbers are thriving in India. Rapid antigen tests may be just as hard to find. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Emergency care for COVID-19 symptoms. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the most common symptoms of BA.5 are: Fever. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady previously stated. "People said, 'It's the worst sore throat I've ever had.' But at 92 per cent, we'd be wanting you to come in for further examination," she said. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. "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.". 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. 8. Monitoring variant proportions. But if you have taken one at five and it's negative and you're feeling good, chances are very good that you're not going to have any more issues there," she said. Dr. Oughton says other warning signs include persistent fever that lasts at least two days, if not more, and heart palpitations. In a September 2022 news release, the CDC also recommended updated booster shots that contain proteins targeting the variants for people ages 12 and older. Viral Immunology. "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. Any of these symptoms in any order may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . the risk really is very low.". Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? 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. The newer subvariants have the ability to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections, or both, perthe Deseret News. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. Of those, 220.2 million are fully vaccinated. Headache. 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. 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. Both experts and public health officers seem to have noted that the BA.2.12.1 variant may be triggering mild breakthrough cases that don't prompt sick individuals to think about signing up for a COVID-19 test. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. "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. This may be the sniffles or a scratchy throat, some mild fatigue, fever, aches. Fever. Most people will have a saturation of between 97 and 100 per cent, she says. Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? Still, for those who are vaccinated and boosted but are still looking to be cautious, Arwady said an additional test at seven days could help. She notes they can also be purchased online. . Until more people have been sick with BA.4 and BA.5 longer, it will be hard to pinpoint the specifics of these symptoms, Dr. Rutherford said. 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 . BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. 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. We continue to see new variants, and their different lineages and sublineages, emerge & disappear as they compete against each other. Those patients go on to develop symptomstwo or three days later, and then often find their symptoms startimprovingthree or four days after that. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. CBC Marketplace tested KN95 and KF94 masks sold online and at big box stores. Other people may have muscle aches, fever and chills. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. 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. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. The device monitors blood oxygen levels. Cough. When Can More People Get a Second COVID Booster? "I've told my own staff this, it's what I do myself if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. 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. Clinicians said many BA.5 symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including congestion, headaches, cough and fever. Many of the common omicron variant symptoms resemble other COVID-19 symptoms. Though more people were in the hospital in 2022, the number of deaths nationwide plateaued from April to September 2022, according to the CDC. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. You can treat the milder symptomscough, sore throat, runny noseat home. Shutterstock. Dont have insurance? 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. stuffy nose. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. "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. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. Listen. 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. However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. New confusion. I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added.