Get a FREE subscription to AARP The Magazine. "It is highly anticipated that a more targeted vaccine to current variants will be needed for the fall.". With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. "If you have the luxury of a living arrangement where you can have your own sleeping quarters and bathroom and ideally, sort of a sectioned off area of the house, I guess that's ideal," saidOughton. "The Coronavirus Self-Checker is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19," the CDC's website reads. 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. nausea or vomiting. And will it take Utah for a wild ride?. the risk really is very low.". 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. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. 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. But we do know it to be more transmissible and more immune-evading. Any of these symptoms in any order may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. New Covid Boosters Were Released Before Human TestingBut Experts Say They're Still Safe, What to Know About COVID Reinfections as BA.5 Cases Continue to Rise, What You Should Know About BA.2, a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. What should you do if you think you have Omicron? "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss have been reported in a number of patients across age groups. Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. 1. Individuals with Medicare can get up to eight free tests a month, and many private insurance plans also cover them. Fever. Banerjee A. Omicron estimated to be 95.4% of coronavirus variants in U.S. - CDC. Chills. 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. 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. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try 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. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. The omicron variant mostly affects the throat, therefore, most of the symptoms associated with this variant are upper respiratory problems. A passenger . 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. Runny nose. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. But it's also crucial to remember that no two COVID-19 illnesses are the same; it's entirely possible that an infection triggered by BA.2.12.1 may lead to early upper respiratory symptoms that resemble a cold or reaction to allergies, or it may simply present any of the other known COVID-19 symptoms entirely (including fatigue alone!). "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. Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. 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. Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are: runny nose. A single dose of Pfizer's monovalent vaccine contains 30 micrograms of mRNA targeting the original Covid strain. 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. In the winter, when we experience cold and flu season, it can be hard to differentiate a COVID infection from other viruses. As Gulick points out, getting booster shots is crucial. 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. . BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. Headache. A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. 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. sore throat. Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? Tweet. "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.". "At the moment, we don't have medications that we can prescribe that someone can take at home. For . This is expected. The COVID-19 Omicron variant and common flu: Symptoms and treatment . Government officials are racing to collect new information on how current vaccines stack up in protecting Americans from the spread of BA.2.12.1, alongside its genetic characteristics that sets it apart from other SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Common upper respiratory symptoms associated with omicron include the following: Cough. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. Digestive symptoms sometimes develop before a fever and respiratory symptoms. 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. 5, 2022. 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. 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. Some people may never experience symptoms, though they can still spread the virus. pic.twitter.com/VDB1VghCFn, Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH (@CDCDirector) April 27, 2022, Dr. Huang adds that hospitalizations have remained low and it may be because Americans simply aren't aware they're dealing with a bonafide SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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. And like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine can help prevent serious flu complications from ever occurring. 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. "We aren't seeing at this point in timealthough we continue to monitor closelya steep increase in our number of ICU stays or deaths from COVID," Dr. Passaretti said. For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and avoid poorly ventilated areas. ; And how to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 strain. Once a classic sign of COVID-19 infection, loss of sense of smell or taste seems to be less common among patients getting sick with BA.4 and BA.5, Dr. Passaretti noted. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? They do spread more quickly, however. When Can More People Get a Second COVID Booster? 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. "We just don't have any data on this [yet], essentially giving two vaccines in one shot but biologically, I just wouldn't expect the side effects, severity or the safety profile of the shots to be different from the current mRNA vaccines and boosters," Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and member of an independent advisory group to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tells CNBC Make It. Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. . Add some good to your morning and evening. Published Jan 4, 2022. 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. "It can drop a little bit lower than that and still be safe. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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. Oughton is mindful many places across Canada may be experiencing cold weather, so open windows may be a limited solution. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. 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. Those who are unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said. 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 . However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. Babcock acknowledges that there is social fatigue with the pandemic and its safety precautionsbut says they remain important. Sometimes a fever. The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. Theirstudy, published inThe Lancet, also suggests that brain fog and dizziness are less prevalent in omicron cases. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. This abandoned high school was converted into a 31-unit apartment building, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now available at pharmacies and clinics nationwide, held true during the last round of booster shots, Redness and swelling at the injection site. Diarrhea as a symptom of COVID-19 has significant consequences for public health. 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. 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. "Many patients we're seeing are actually testing positive before they have symptoms, so they're testing positive on a rapid antigen," she said. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. It doesnt even make the list of the top five symptoms in the ongoing ZOE COVID Study, according to a Sept. 13 update. THE Omicron variant is bringing up a number of unusual symptoms as it spreads across the UK - one of those could be a nasty case of diarrhoea. Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. Headache. Text Size. "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. That would still be considered a mild infection it could be a more significant illness, but just not severe enough to end up in the hospital.. List of omicron variant symptoms. New . COVID-19 Boosters Are Being Updated To Target Omicron SubvariantsHere's Why. If you suspect Omicron infection, be sure to get tested as soon as possible. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test - that's COVID. Fatigue. But health experts have noted a few differences between the omicron family and its predecessors. Think you may have Omicron? Marketplace also found some N95s held up better than others in testing. Severe side effects are "generally" most common after receiving a second dose of a vaccine, not after receiving a third or fourth dose, says Offit. And theyre hiding a horrifying secret. And what are some of the first signs of an infection? If you experience diarrhea with COVID-19, you are not alone. "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. At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. Further, 30 percent of patients with the Alpha variant (dominant in late 2020) experienced diarrhea. With some omicron cases, particularly breakthrough infections in those who are boosted and vaccinated, remaining mild, many are wondering how to tell if it's a cold, the flu or COVID-19. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. Testing, if you suspect you have COVID, can help curb spread and protect 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. 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. From the symptoms to how it spreads, everything about this variant was different from its predecessors. Since it emerged in November 2021, the Omicron COVID variant has completely changed the course of the pandemic. If symptoms, like coughing, are bad, seek medical help.. Emergency care for COVID-19 symptoms. "If any of these [symptoms] persist . Seventy-four percent reported fatigue. "Initial symptoms appear to be related to a scratchy or sore throat, often quite mild," she says. 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. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. The Omicron variant is the most transmissible variant to date for all age groups, including both adults and children. People who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. "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. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. Laura Hensley is an award-winning lifestyle journalist who has worked in some of the largest newsrooms in Canada. Aria Bendix and Hilary Brueck. . A simple swab of the nose can tell you whether you have COVID-19 in about 15 minutes. 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 . We are also still learning about long COVID. If You've Never Had COVID Are You More Susceptible to Variants? . Diarrhea. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. "And then you get other people infected.". Do Bivalent Boosters Protect Against XBB.1.5? "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. Sore throat. Hundreds of Americans are still dying from COVID-19 each day. Tiredness. 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. Only 54% had a fever. "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. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. "Rapid diagnosis, early diagnosis, and treatment is the way to go," Dr. Rutherford said. 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. Runny nose. Even now, for people who haven't gotten vaccinated, they can still benefit from vaccination.. Headache. Fever. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Taking those steps will really help. "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. Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . That said, lots of different factors can affect the severity of symptoms, the CDC says, and vaccination status is one of them. Free online workshop! Here's what to do if you think you have Omicron and when you might need to go to the hospital. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell. 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. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of any variant of COVID-19 are: Fever or chills. pic.twitter.com/MK9wK8GdwB. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. The top symptoms with Omicron infections, according to a ZOE study, are . "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. 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). Muscle or body aches. 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. 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. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually . Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. 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. 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. The virus can infect some cells in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, which would lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, Dr. Pekosz . again. . That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original . 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. Shutterstock. 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. 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 . 8. 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. It's also important to remember that COVID-19 affects everyone differently. 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. If you know or think you've got Omicron, stay home. 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. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . 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. Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose. 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. Roughly 26% of participants experienced a mild or moderate headache, while only 0.3% experienced a severe one. 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 . And Will I Need It Again? Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Fatigue or body aches . 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. We want them to seek the appropriate medical care," she said. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. Will BA.2 Cause Another COVID Wave in the U.S.? The new shots have the same dosage amounts as the original vaccines, which further suggests that their safety profiles could be similar, Offit says. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. 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. 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 . Omicron BA.2 was the dominant . Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. 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. KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. "But we are certainly seeing an increase in cases in the community, and that's spilling over to more patients admitted with COVID.". Masks are also still an important part of COVID-19 prevention; especially if you or someone you live with is considered high risk for severe complications, or are currently at risk for severe disease. Read on to learn what you need to know about the subvariants and how to stay healthy. Are Symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 More Severe? 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. "COVID-19 can be transmitted through poo . Other people may have muscle aches, fever and chills. Oops! About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. Monitoring variant proportions. Read on to learn more about the newest Omicron subvariant and its most common symptoms. An 85-year Harvard study found the No. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 caused the vast majority of COVID-19 infections in 2022. I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. But if you're gonna do it once do it in five and I feel good about that.". Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. Diarrhea. 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. Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. New COVID Variants May Fuel a Winter SurgeWhat to Know About BQ.1, XBB, and Others, Omicron Infection Timeline: When Symptoms Start and How Long They Last, BA.2.75 Is the Newest Omicron SubvariantHere's What We Know So Far. And for the most part, that seems to hold true with omicron and its subvariants, including thenow-dominant BA.5. The same concept held true during the last round of booster shots. 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. Gulick says that even for those who are vaccinated, a reinfection rate may be as high as 30%. Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,told NBC Newsthat a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. It isnt always the case that a new version of the coronavirus brings about a new batch of symptoms. Diarrhea was slightly more .