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. Diarrhea; This list does not include all possible symptoms. The omicron variant mostly affects the throat, therefore, most of the symptoms associated with this variant are upper respiratory problems. Wearing a mask is not really that hard; getting a vaccine and getting a booster is, for most people now, fairly accessible, she said. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. Fatigue or body aches . Published Jan 4, 2022. 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. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. Of course, people at higher risk of serious illness can still face more dire health outcomeseven if they are vaccinated. Only 54% had a fever. Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? "Omicron, [meanwhile,] is less . 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 . More than 1 million prescriptions for these antiviral pills were filled at pharmacies between Dec. 23, 2021, and May 21, 2022,a CDC report shows. Stage three is when early symptoms start to pop up, like lower back ache, night sweats and a scratchy throat. "The vaccines will most likely remain effective with BA.2.12.1, as they were intended to prevent severe COVID and hospitalization but not for preventing infection [outright].". "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise. 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. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. 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. That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original . Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. A PCR test (short for polymerase chain reaction), administered at doctors offices or testing sites, can also confirm your suspicions. Vomiting. 1. Finally, dont forget all the preventive efforts that can help you dodge an omicron infection in the first place. Read on to learn what you need to know about the subvariants and how to stay healthy. If you have the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, "right now the chances that it's Omicron are very, very high," said Oughton. Idaho lawmaker wants to criminalize the most-used COVID-19 vaccines, What is Orthrus? The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. 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. 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. Rest assured: They're not expected to be much different from what you may have experienced with previous vaccine and booster doses. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of any variant of COVID-19 are: Fever or chills. Think you may have Omicron? Early infection symptoms that are commonly being noted with these particular infections may have something to do with that, explains Dr. Huang. Sore throat. "It can drop a little bit lower than that and still be safe. According to the Zoe health app, COVID diarrhea can last for up to seven days. Sneezing. 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. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. And if you are sick, or suspect you could be sick, stay home. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . Mild or severe fatigue. 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. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test - that's COVID. We want them to seek the appropriate medical care," she said. The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/PcgVBYojKi. Fever. But we do know it to be more transmissible and more immune-evading. The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. So, he recommends masking at home, and opening windows to improve ventilation when you can, to help limit transmission. Communities can avoid major complications and deaths from the BA.4 and BA.5 variants the same way as with any other variant. A U.K. study of around 750,000 people found recently that the top five symptoms for both the Delta and Omicron variants are currently a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and a sore throat . Starting the medications right away can significantly reduce your risks for being hospitalized with COVID-19. For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. 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. "You will still be eligible for the upcoming fall booster that will have modifications to improve its effect against newer variants. Less severe symptoms may also be causing the new strains to spread faster. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she said. For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. 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. 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. O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. Loss of appetite makes sense, too, if one of the main new symptoms is vomiting. It does indeed seem that BA.2.12.1 is more easily transmissible than earlier strains of Omicron SARS-CoV-2, as experts have established it is about 25% more transmissible than "stealth" Omicron, or about 75% more transmissible than original Omicron strains that impacted the 2021 winter holiday season. COVID symptoms range from pain felt within the body such as muscle pain, sore throat or a loss of smell and taste. How to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 subvariant: "Initial symptoms appear to be related to a scratchy or sore throat, often quite mild," she says. You can treat the milder symptomscough, sore throat, runny noseat home. 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. Inability to wake or stay awake. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. . She notes they can also be purchased online. 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. This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp. Nausea. "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. Remove some to bookmark this image. Side effect data isn't available yet because the new boosters were approved by the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before fully completing their clinical trials. @CDCgov is prepared to quickly identify any new variant & evaluate the public health impact.Updated variant proportions. She recommends taking ibuprofen (also known by the brand name Advil) or acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol), or cold and flu medication that includes those painkillers. How Many Times Can You Get Reinfected With the Same COVID Variant? More infections were driving a higher number of COVID-19 hospitalizations rather than more severe symptoms. These two new subtypes made up the majority of COVID cases in 2022, according to the CDC data tracker page. 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. A Division of NBC Universal. Will BA.2 Cause Another COVID Wave in the U.S.? 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. Fatigue. The Omicron variant is the most transmissible variant to date for all age groups, including both adults and children. This may be the sniffles or a scratchy throat, some mild fatigue, fever, aches. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. And for the most part, that seems to hold true with omicron and its subvariants, including thenow-dominant BA.5. Arwady said that now, those who are fully vaccinated aren't necessarily getting "seriously ill and having fevers for days and difficult breathing," but are instead experiencing a more mild illness. Because omicron symptoms can be mistaken for the common cold or flu, doctors urge anyone experiencing them to isolate until symptoms subside. Leading experts say you should take 3 upper respiratory symptoms seriously and test for COVID-19 sooner rather than later. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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. Runny or stuffy nose. 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. Read our. 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. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? Dont have insurance? Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? 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. iStock. 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. However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. 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. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Copyright HT Digital Streams Limited All rights reserved. congestion or runny nose. Vaccination hesitancy and postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Is it time to reconsider? You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID. "Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea," Gulick said. Others say it's trivial.". Others include headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sneezing, nausea and loss of appetite. The top symptoms with Omicron infections, according to a ZOE study, are . What supplements should we really be taking? Muscle pain. . It is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. If you're not vaccinated or boosted, I certainly have a much higher concern that you could get infected. People should also be aware that diarrhoea is not just a possible symptom of Covid but also features in numerous medical conditions. Oops! Opinion: How did COVID-19 start? "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. It might happen due to the Omicron variant infection, and experts say that one should get tested for Covid-19 if you have these abdominal complaints even without respiratory symptoms or fever. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. It's also important to remember that COVID-19 affects everyone differently. 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. Diarrhea. New confusion. 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? Runny nose. 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 .