However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. If you're not vaccinated or boosted, I certainly have a much higher concern that you could get infected. "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. Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. Banerjee A. Omicron estimated to be 95.4% of coronavirus variants in U.S. - CDC. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. 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. According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. 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. "Be mindful of your symptoms and test early for COVID so that you can take steps to protect others from infection, especially as it relates to events like these. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. 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!). Diarrhea. Rest assured: They're not expected to be much different from what you may have experienced with previous vaccine and booster doses. Most people will have a saturation of between 97 and 100 per cent, she says. "The most reported symptoms of Omicron are really very much like a cold, especially in people who have been vaccinated," says Dr. Claire Steves of King's College London. "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. 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. Symptoms of Omicron infection may be different, too. Cough. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. Finally, dont forget all the preventive efforts that can help you dodge an omicron infection in the first place. "The symptoms of the Omicron variant, which includes the BA.2 lineage, and the Delta variant, are similar," Erica Johnson, MD, . But at 92 per cent, we'd be wanting you to come in for further examination," she said. 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. And theyre hiding a horrifying secret. 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. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. The Omicron coronavirus variant is very transmissible, making it likely you or someone you know will catch it. The CDC says that its guidelines were updated to reflect growing evidence that suggests transmission of COVID-19 often occurs one to two days before the onset of symptoms and during the two to three days afterward. . . 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. What kind of symptoms does this highly contagious variant present, you may wonder? Research also suggests that people who are infected with omicron aresick for shorter periods of timethan those with delta. Communities can avoid major complications and deaths from the BA.4 and BA.5 variants the same way as with any other variant. The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. Again, everyone is different and will experience their own early symptoms, but these seem to be among the group reported be most patients. . Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. 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 . So far, research shows that its more transmissible and causes less severe disease than earlier variants, like Delta. Diarrhea. If you've been exposed to someone with COVID and are watching for symptoms, how can you tell if you've been infected? Here's what to do if you think you have Omicron and when you might need to go to the hospital. "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. Taking those steps will really help. "Often the sore throat is the kind of [first] symptom, and then the rest kind of come on.". Those patients go on to develop symptomstwo or three days later, and then often find their symptoms startimprovingthree or four days after that. Zoe COVID apps data showed, one in five patients gets COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron strains, even if they had two or three doses of vaccination. "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. 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. Loss of smell or taste. Severe chest pains and worsening or severe shortness of breath are signs you should head to the hospital. Sneezing. Some other lesser known symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, nausea and diarrhea according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. While vaccine immunity helps lower the severity of infection, it doesnt offer complete protection. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually . 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. 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 . ", "Even if it's a sore throat, no matter what it is," she said. Others experience no symptoms at all. The quick spread of BA.4 and BA.5 sets them apart from other Omicron strains. Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. A Division of NBC Universal. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original . An associate practitioner administers a coronavirus vaccine at Elland Road in Leeds . You may not lose your sense of . Laura Hensley is an award-winning lifestyle journalist who has worked in some of the largest newsrooms in Canada. 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. COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. The virus can infect some cells in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, which would lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, Dr. Pekosz . It'll just take a moment. 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. From vegan to keto, which diet has the highest carbon footprint. Can Omicron symptoms be distinguished from Delta symptoms? 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. 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. This may be the sniffles or a scratchy throat, some mild fatigue, fever, aches. 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. 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. 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. 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. Inability to wake or stay awake. ", 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. About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. COVID symptoms range from pain felt within the body such as muscle pain, sore throat or a loss of smell and taste. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. "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. COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in the U.S., driven by an uptick in infections caused by the BA.2.12.1 subvariant most of which may not be diagnosed as early as possible due to a lack of testing, explains Sachin Nagrani, M.D., medical director at care provider Heal. Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. 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. Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. 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. 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. As with the symptoms themselves, it was too early as of September 2022 to tell just how severely the variants might affect patients. 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. And Will I Need It Again? Omicron BA.2 was the dominant . 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. More than 101.3 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose. 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. But we do know it to be more transmissible and more immune-evading. nausea or vomiting. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. We want them to seek the appropriate medical care," she 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. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. "Many patients we're seeing are actually testing positive before they have symptoms, so they're testing positive on a rapid antigen," she said. Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. Diarrhea as a symptom of COVID-19 has significant consequences for public health. Individuals over the age of 50 or those considered to be clinically immunocompromised are encouraged to seek out a second booster dose of an mRNA vaccine now to keep infection risks low. 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. "This variant is about 25% more contagious than the original Omicron variant that entered the U.S. last fall seemingly accounting for about 40% of current cases," she tells Good Housekeeping. @CDCgov is prepared to quickly identify any new variant & evaluate the public health impact.Updated variant proportions. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Diarrhea. again. From the symptoms to how it spreads, everything about this variant was different from its predecessors. "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. congestion or runny nose. 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. So, he recommends masking at home, and opening windows to improve ventilation when you can, to help limit transmission. 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. These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. 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. KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. Think you may have Omicron? Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. 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. Any of these symptoms in any order may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. Its also important to get your booster shot, wear a mask, and avoid large crowds whenever possible. 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 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. The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. Unlike previous versions, Omicron symptoms are mild in fully vaccinated people. Another consideration: Shortly after omicron burst on the scene, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized twoantiviral medicationsthat can help keep a mild infection from progressing to a serious one. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Diarrhea. 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. 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. This is expected. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Inability to wake or stay awake. "People have to understand, if they feel sick, we don't want them not coming to the emergency department because they're scared. In earlier variants, infection caused more harm to the lungs. Some symptoms of Omicron infection include fever, dry cough, runny nose, aches and pains, nausea and diarrhea. But other common COVID-19 symptoms, like cough, fever, and loss of smell or taste, are still important signs to watch out for with the Omicron . 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. Chills. 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. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. We continue to see new variants, and their different lineages and sublineages, emerge & disappear as they compete against each other. Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. And if you are sick, or suspect you could be sick, stay home. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". The most common Omicron symptoms include cough, fatigue, and a runny nose, according to health officials in the US and Europe. She notes they can also be purchased online. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she said. This is why getting booster shots, as well as flu shots, masking, and getting tested remain important, he says. Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 caused the vast majority of COVID-19 infections in 2022. . Diarrhea, a common symptom for earlier variants, may turn up. AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. The CDC . So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been COVID symptoms since the initial COVID struck and may still strike you. Cough. 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. "Masking is also important if you have something crucial on your schedule; a vacation, a graduation, or even a medical procedure where you need to be healthy for that important activity," Dr. Huang adds. 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. Sore throat. Omicron appears to be continuing the trend set by Delta. This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp. "But of course, that's really not the reality for many, maybe even most Canadians who are facing this.". Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. Sometimes a fever. If you suspect Omicron infection, be sure to get tested as soon as possible. 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. Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. The good news is that overall, Omicron is milder than Delta in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, Gulick says. 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. The symptoms that arise from a case of COVID-19 caused by the now-dominant omicron strain known as BA.5 dont seem to differ from those caused by its parent variant or any of the other omicron offshoots, experts say. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . COVID-19 Boosters Are Being Updated To Target Omicron SubvariantsHere's Why. Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? Remove some to bookmark this image. A problem, however, is that Omicrons symptoms can overlap with that of the common cold and flu. Some people may never experience symptoms, though they can still spread the virus. A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. New . "If you do have the option, please use the virtual ED type of models to speak to a provider who can give you some advice about whether you need to head in or not," she said. 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. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? 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. 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. Editor's Note: This story, originally published Jan. 10, 2022, has been updated to reflect new information. Oughton is mindful many places across Canada may be experiencing cold weather, so open windows may be a limited solution.
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