Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose. 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. 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. 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 . Think you may have Omicron? These two new subtypes made up the majority of COVID cases in 2022, according to the CDC data tracker page. According to Reuters, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, a private practitioner and chair of South African Medical Association, said on Sunday that symptoms of the omicron variant were so far mild and could . 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. Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. 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. "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. Clinicians said many BA.5 symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including congestion, headaches, cough and fever. 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. Omicron appears to cause milder symptoms than previous variantsespecially in fully vaccinated people. Moreover, though they tend to cause less severe infections as compared to their predecessors, some symptoms seem to be common. "And then you get other people infected.". 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. Sneezing. 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. The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. 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. 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. 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. . Other people may have muscle aches, fever . Copyright HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. 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. The COVID-19 Omicron variant and common flu: Symptoms and treatment . If you're not vaccinated or boosted, I certainly have a much higher concern that you could get infected. So, he recommends masking at home, and opening windows to improve ventilation when you can, to help limit transmission. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A person is also considered contagious before symptoms appear. At the same time, even with over 500 subvariants circulating, Omicron cousins have few things in common, they are all highly transmissible, replicate in the upper respiratory tract and they all have mutations that make them escape built-up immunity more easily. Fatigue. Fever or chills. Trends in number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US reported to the CDC, by state/territory. "This has to do with data from the CDC that really showed after seven days there's virtually no risk of transmission at this point," Arwady said. Cold-like symptoms - including a runny nose, sore throat and persistent sneezing - became more common, along with a headache and cough, particularly in people who had been vaccinated. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . Since it emerged in November 2021, the Omicron COVID variant has completely changed the course of the pandemic. Banerjee A. Omicron estimated to be 95.4% of coronavirus variants in U.S. - CDC. Sore throat. Individuals with Medicare can get up to eight free tests a month, and many private insurance plans also cover them. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. Diarrhea, a common symptom for earlier variants, may turn up. Omicron symptoms can look like flu and cold symptoms and cause headache, sore throat and runny nose. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. "[It's] harder to detect because people are like, 'I just have allergies. How to treat yourself at home if you get COVID-19, Why COVID-19 hospitalizations of Canadian kids and infants could keep rising as Omicron spreads. 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. Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. Also known as "stealth" Omicron, BA.2 is the dominant strain in the U.S., sparking new questions. 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. 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. Most people will have a saturation of between 97 and 100 per cent, she says. With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . Omicron appears to be continuing the trend set by Delta. She's the deputy medical director of the emergency departments at the University Health Network in Toronto. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. 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. Emergency care for COVID-19 symptoms. Every new COVID-19 variant raises questions about how the symptoms from a new type might affect our health, and the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants are no different. 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. Rest assured: They're not expected to be much different from what you may have experienced with previous vaccine and booster doses. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky called them "more transmissible and more immune evading" than other Omicron variants in a 2022 White House press briefing. 1. 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. nausea or vomiting. As Gulick points out, getting booster shots is crucial. And ever since, vaccine and booster eligibility has only expanded. Those who are unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said. "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.". But if you're gonna do it once do it in five and I feel good about that.". The good news is that overall, Omicron is milder than Delta in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, Gulick says. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. "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. "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 variant is the most transmissible variant to date for all age groups, including both adults and children. 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. 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 . 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. That's how we treat it, that's how you should treat it.". Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved. ", As of May 9, 258.2 million people have received at least one dose of a #COVID19 vaccine. Further, 30 percent of patients with the Alpha variant (dominant in late 2020) experienced diarrhea. These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. Its updated booster has 25 micrograms targeting the original strain, and 25 targeting the omicron subvariants. The most common Omicron symptoms include cough, fatigue, and a runny nose, according to health officials in the US and Europe. All Rights Reserved. Research also suggests that people who are infected with omicron aresick for shorter periods of timethan those with delta. 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. That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original . If symptoms, like coughing, are bad, seek medical help.. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who test positive for COVID-19 need . Mild or severe fatigue. 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. Cough. Vomiting. Both subvariants spread more quickly, maybe because people don't realize they are sick with the virus. 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. Joint pain. COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms of Omicron infection may be different, too. Will BA.2 Cause Another COVID Wave in the U.S.? Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady previously stated. 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. "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. You can treat the milder symptomscough, sore throat, runny noseat home. Remove some to bookmark this image. 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. 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. People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. Coronavirus or Cold Symptoms: How Do They Compare? Be sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking other medications that those painkillers might interfere with. Only 54% had a fever. Headache. Congestion or runny nose. 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. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. People should also be aware that diarrhoea is not just a possible symptom of Covid but also features in numerous medical conditions. For instance, some studies report that loss of taste and smell once a telltale sign of COVID-19 occurs less often in omicron infections. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. "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. 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. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Omicron cases on the . 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. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. They also reported that having diarrhea as a COVID symptom was found to be linked to a greater risk of hospitalization, especially among people who also experienced abdominal pain and unusual muscle pain. The omicron variant has now been identified in at least 32 states, and experts believe it will become the dominant strain in the U.S. . Fever. Here are things you can do | CBC Radio Loaded. 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. And for the most part, that seems to hold true with omicron and its subvariants, including thenow-dominant BA.5. 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. If you've been exposed to someone with COVID and are watching for symptoms, how can you tell if you've been infected? Diarrhea; What is the COVID omicron variant? 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. It doesnt even make the list of the top five symptoms in the ongoing ZOE COVID Study, according to a Sept. 13 update. What should you do if you think you have Omicron? Reuters. At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. Fact-checked on July 14, 2022, by Marley Hall, a writer and fact checker specializing in medical and health information. The variant is shattering case records and sending test positivity rates soaring. 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.. Here's what to do if you think you have Omicron and when you might need to go to the hospital. Runny or stuffy nose. 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. Did Woody Harrelson promote a COVID-19 anti-vaccine theory on Saturday Night Live? Omicron BA.5 May Increase the Risk of Outdoor TransmissionHere's How to Stay Safe. Diarrhea. Its also important to get your booster shot, wear a mask, and avoid large crowds whenever possible. Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. I'm going to work,'" Dr. Passaretti said. According to the CDC, symptoms of Covid-19 include fever, shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste or . Is your N95-style mask failing you? About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 strains of COVID-19 became the most common forms of the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. in 2022. While vaccine immunity helps lower the severity of infection, it doesnt offer complete protection. "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. 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. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . Sometimes a fever. 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. 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. Research published in April 2022 in The Lancet also found that . COVID symptoms range from pain felt within the body such as muscle pain, sore throat or a loss of smell and taste. Oughton is mindful many places across Canada may be experiencing cold weather, so open windows may be a limited solution. 8. Diarrhea. Free online workshop! Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. WATCH | Tips for treatingyour Omicron symptoms: If you can, it's important to get vaccinated or boosted. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 caused the vast majority of COVID-19 infections in 2022. Oops! Its possible you have COVID-19 but took the test before the virus was detectable. Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are: runny nose. 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. Muscle pain. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. The omicron variant mostly affects the throat, therefore, most of the symptoms associated with this variant are upper respiratory problems. 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. diarrhea. Early infection symptoms that are commonly being noted with these particular infections may have something to do with that, explains Dr. Huang. 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. The federal agencies based their approvals off several other pieces of safety data, including evidence from the original Covid vaccines the updated formulations are merely a tweak to those originals and lab data on the shots' BA.5 element in mice. The bigger picture: These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are . 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. In the world of infectious disease and epidemiology, mild doesnt always mean sniffles; the marker of a mild disease is whether or not people end up in the hospital. 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. Comments are welcome while open. 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 . For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of any variant of COVID-19 are: Fever or chills. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". 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. Though more people were in the hospital in 2022, the number of deaths nationwide plateaued from April to September 2022, according to the CDC. If someone else in your household has tested positive or has symptoms, it's probably safe to assume you do, too. Half of them didnt offer the level of protection theyre supposed to. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Kashif J. Piracha, MD, FACP, FASN, FNKF, is a practicing physician at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. 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. 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. O'Connor says that some people with greater medical riskare being sent home from UHN hospitals with home oxygen monitors, also known as pulse oximeters. Are Symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 More Severe? If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . Add some good to your morning and evening. 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. Headache. ", "Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. A Division of NBC Universal. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. 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. Those patients go on to develop symptomstwo or three days later, and then often find their symptoms startimprovingthree or four days after that. 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. By the time omicron arrived near the end of 2021, we had a more highly vaccinated population, says Laraine Washer, M.D., an infectious disease physician at University of Michigan. Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. 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. Marketplace also found some N95s held up better than others in testing. Hospitalization rates have decreased dramatically since their peak in January, but still, thousands of individuals are still being admitted daily for COVID-19 and the vast majority of them are older Americans. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss have been reported in a number of patients across age groups. Your session has expired, please login again. Less severe symptoms may also be causing the new strains to spread faster. 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. 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. Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. . Health officials arenow recommendingthat everyone 12 and older get an updated booster shot thats designed to better target omicron and its subvariants. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What supplements should we really be taking? From the symptoms to how it spreads, everything about this variant was different from its predecessors. Dont have insurance? A passenger . "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. A multicenter study in 2022 looked at 1672 hospitalized COVID-19 positive . Digestive symptoms sometimes develop before a fever and respiratory symptoms. The Omicron coronavirus variant is very transmissible, making it likely you or someone you know will catch it. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. pic.twitter.com/PcgVBYojKi. A problem, however, is that Omicrons symptoms can overlap with that of the common cold and flu. 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.
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