"Many patients we're seeing are actually testing positive before they have symptoms, so they're testing positive on a rapid antigen," 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.". "You will still be eligible for the upcoming fall booster that will have modifications to improve its effect against newer variants. sore throat. Also known as "stealth" Omicron, BA.2 is the dominant strain in the U.S., sparking new questions. Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. 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. Other people may have muscle aches, fever . "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. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Cough. With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . ", As of May 9, 2022, national forecasts predict 90010,200 new #COVID19 hospitalizations will likely be reported on June 3. Diarrhea. Why are more workers returning to the office in Asia and Europe than the U.S.? 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 . As of Thursday, Ontario's COVID-19 test positivity rate is 29.2 per cent, while Quebec's health minister said the health-care system is missing about 20,000 workers who have been infected with or exposed to the virus. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. 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. Finally, dont forget all the preventive efforts that can help you dodge an omicron infection in the first place. 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 . . Loss of appetite makes sense, too, if one of the main new symptoms is vomiting. "Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea," Gulick said. Check with your local health center or testing site (find one oncovid.gov/tests) many are offering them for free. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. For . 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. Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. 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. Read our. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? Inability to wake or stay awake. For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. 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. "[There are] adults who have had fevers of almost 40 degrees Centigrade [104 degrees Fahrenheit]," Dr. Rutherford told Health. She notes they can also be purchased online. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . The same concept held true during the last round of booster shots. This is expected. The FDA recommends taking another test 48 hours after the first. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. again. Read on to learn more about the newest Omicron subvariant and its most common symptoms. 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. ", "Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. 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. 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. 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. The reformulated shots from Pfizer and Moderna are bivalent, which means they target both the original Covid strain and omicron's BA.5 and BA.4 subvariants. 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 . 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. Fever. BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: Trouble breathing Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID. 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. Headache. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. "We have also crossed the grim milestone of 1 million American lives lost to COVID.". But at 92 per cent, we'd be wanting you to come in for further examination," she said. Opinion: How did COVID-19 start? A single dose of Pfizer's monovalent vaccine contains 30 micrograms of mRNA targeting the original Covid strain. Runny nose. These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are unpredictable. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.". CBC Marketplace tested KN95 and KF94 masks sold online and at big box stores. Seventy-four percent reported fatigue. Aria Bendix and Hilary Brueck. 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. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. @CDCgov is prepared to quickly identify any new variant & evaluate the public health impact.Updated variant proportions. 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 body's milder response to a BA.4 or BA.5 infection means people may not realize they have it and can spread it. 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. Roberts says the solution is to take any symptom seriously, even a mild symptom. And if you start sneezing or feeling feverish, take an at-home test. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . 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. And ever since, vaccine and booster eligibility has only expanded. Add some good to your morning and evening. 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? 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/MK9wK8GdwB. 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. "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. 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. What Are Symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 Variants? According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID is between two and 14 days, though the newest guidance from the agency suggests a quarantine of five days for those who are not boosted, but eligible or unvaccinated. 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. Sore throat. "Sometimes they don't realize how short of breath they are until it's too late, particularly in younger patients," she said. The omicron wave continues as reinfections become more common, with over 650 deaths reported on Aug. 2 and the daily average of COVID-19 related hospitalizations lingering around nearly 6,300, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. 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. Cough. "[It's] harder to detect because people are like, 'I just have allergies. 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. The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Do Bivalent Boosters Protect Against XBB.1.5? So far, research shows that its more transmissible and causes less severe disease than earlier variants, like Delta. AARP Membership - LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. But health experts have noted a few differences between the omicron family and its predecessors. But if you're gonna do it once do it in five and I feel good about that.". I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. Still, omicron appears to cause less severe illness than previous variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes. "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. "COVID tends to present similarly, and [it] may vary from person to person, but the most common stuff we're seeing are fevers, congestion, [and] sore throat," Katie Passaretti, MD, vice president and enterprise chief epidemiologist with Atrium Health, told Health. 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. . What kind of symptoms does this highly contagious variant present, you may wonder? "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. How to Protect Against the Omicron Variant, Expect new treatments, more testing and additional variants, Using letters of the alphabet simplifies tracking, Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term -43% off the standard annual rate, Access exclusive discounts, programs, & services, Double down with a FREE second membership. Dr. Rutherford estimated that the number of cases might be more than twice that reported. "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. 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. Babcock acknowledges that there is social fatigue with the pandemic and its safety precautionsbut says they remain important. The new shots have the same dosage amounts as the original vaccines, which further suggests that their safety profiles could be similar, Offit says. The newer subvariants have the ability to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections, or both, perthe Deseret News. Omicron BA.5 May Increase the Risk of Outdoor TransmissionHere's How to Stay Safe. Although the first cases of Omicron were observed in late 2021, the variant might have been around for several months. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Comments are welcome while open. List of omicron variant symptoms. CDC recommends the first COVID-19 booster. 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. Staring at a negative result, even with symptoms raging? They do spread more quickly, however. 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 . The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory. 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. COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. If you experience diarrhea with COVID-19, you are not alone. Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron strains, even if they had two or three doses of vaccination. Those patients go on to develop symptomstwo or three days later, and then often find their symptoms startimprovingthree or four days after that. "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. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. "Especially if you have compatible symptoms, take a negative result with not just one grain of salt, but with maybe a whole truckload of salt," said Oughton. 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. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? 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. 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. 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 . At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. Laura Hensley is an award-winning lifestyle journalist who has worked in some of the largest newsrooms in Canada. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. You may not lose your sense of . 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. A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), B.1.1.529 (Omicron) ( 1 ), was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa on November 24, 2021. And if you are sick, or suspect you could be sick, stay home. Early infection symptoms that are commonly being noted with these particular infections may have something to do with that, explains Dr. Huang. So, he recommends masking at home, and opening windows to improve ventilation when you can, to help limit transmission. What To Know About the First Updated COVID-19 Booster, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare. Banerjee A. Omicron estimated to be 95.4% of coronavirus variants in U.S. - CDC. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. 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. People should also be aware that diarrhoea is not just a possible symptom of Covid but also features in numerous medical conditions. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You can treat the milder symptomscough, sore throat, runny noseat home. In Pfizer and Moderna's clinical trials for the BA.1 shots, participants who were already fully vaccinated with a booster shot received an updated booster dose. Keep checking this story for updates on vaccination rates, latest data updates of new cases and the omicron variant, along with local and national headlines.Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in OklahomaThe Oklahoma State Department of Health announced it will no longer release daily COVID-19 situation updates as it moves toward the . Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. The top symptoms with Omicron infections, according to a ZOE study, are . Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . 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. Pfizer's trial found that about 52% of participants that received the BA.1 shot experienced mild pain at the injection site, 8% experienced moderate pain and only 0.3% experienced severe pain. Clinicians said many BA.5 symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including congestion, headaches, cough and fever. 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. " 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. 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. Research also suggests that people who are infected with omicron aresick for shorter periods of timethan those with delta. 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. Diarrhea. Health officials arenow recommendingthat everyone 12 and older get an updated booster shot thats designed to better target omicron and its subvariants. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Of course, people at higher risk of serious illness can still face more dire health outcomeseven if they are vaccinated. 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. "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. 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. Gulick says that even for those who are vaccinated, a reinfection rate may be as high as 30%. More than 101.3 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose. Since it emerged in November 2021, the Omicron COVID variant has completely changed the course of the pandemic. 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. In both clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects within seven days of receiving the shot were: That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original formulations. 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. Nearly 70% experienced a headache. While the research continues to evolve, so far, it shows that vaccinated people are less likely to go on and have long COVID. Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. 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. As with the symptoms themselves, it was too early as of September 2022 to tell just how severely the variants might affect patients. Omicron BA.2 was the dominant . "I think that people [are] having a very hard time wrapping their head around how much that Omicron has changed the rules of the game and how we have to change how we handle it in terms of our own individual risks, as well as our behaviour within a society," said Dr. Matthew Oughton, in an interview with Dr. Brian Goldman, host of CBC podcast The Dose. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. Your session has expired, please login again. All rights reserved, Judge: Oxford Schools, Staff Immune From Lawsuits Stemming From Michigan School Shooting, CTA Continues Efforts to Adapt Electric Buses to Winter's Challenges, how long should you quarantine with covid, New Ranking Names Most Expensive Cities In Illinois and These Chicago Suburbs Top the List, Chicago Suburb Lands on List of Happiest Places to Live,' Another Midwest City Makes Top 10, Stomach Bug Cases Surging, Sending People to Emergency Rooms in Chicago Area, Inmate Beaten to Death in Maximum Security Wing of Cook County Jail, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. Many people are reporting cold-like symptoms come with Omicron, particularly among the vaccinated or boosted. Some of the other symptoms experienced are "very similar to the other coronaviruses such as febrile illness and respiratory symptoms." "Patients can also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, and loss of taste or loss of . congestion or runny nose. New . For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. Copyright HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. Trends in number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US reported to the CDC, by state/territory. Less severe symptoms may also be causing the new strains to spread faster. Moreover, though they tend to cause less severe infections as compared to their predecessors, some symptoms seem to be common. Chills. The best way to prevent getting sick is to ensure you're up-to-date on your COVID vaccinations, including any recommended boosters (even if that means seeking out another vaccine brand manufacturer).