CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about the virus. While vaccine immunity helps lower the severity of infection, it doesnt offer complete protection. It isnt always the case that a new version of the coronavirus brings about a new batch of symptoms. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seek medical attention right away if the vaccine recipient has any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over . "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. Health officials arenow recommendingthat everyone 12 and older get an updated booster shot thats designed to better target omicron and its subvariants. However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. Editor's Note: This story, originally published Jan. 10, 2022, has been updated to reflect new information. "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. Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. Less severe symptoms may also be causing the new strains to spread faster. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. And if you are sick, or suspect you could be sick, stay home. So, an increase in the number of children affected is expected. Diarrhea. Why Are There So Many Omicron SubvariantsAnd What Can They Tell Us About the Future of the Pandemic? The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . "And in that five-to-seven-day window, you know, there's some depending on whether people have been vaccinated, underlying conditions, etc., but the risk drops a lot and the feeling is that in the general population, combined with masking, etc. Chills. Omicron BA.5 May Increase the Risk of Outdoor TransmissionHere's How to Stay Safe. 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. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Diarrhea as a symptom of COVID-19 has significant consequences for public health. All Rights Reserved, These 5 symptoms are the most common in omicron, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. 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. "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. 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 evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. Shutterstock. "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].". 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. The same concept held true during the last round of booster shots. 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. The Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine is currently authorized as the third dose of the three-dose primary series for children in this age group. Written and produced by Andrea BellemareandVik Adhopia with files from Melanie Glanz. . She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise. Those who are unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady 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. AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. ", 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. 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. 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. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? It found five symptoms were the most common: Over 80% commonly reported a cough, while 72% experienced a sore throat. A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. That said, lots of different factors can affect the severity of symptoms, the CDC says, and vaccination status is one of them. 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. What You Need to Know About the Updated COVID-19 Boosters. 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. Diarrhea was slightly more . . These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. Others say it's trivial.". 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. Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. "People said, 'It's the worst sore throat I've ever had.' 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 sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking other medications that those painkillers might interfere with. People should also be aware that diarrhoea is not just a possible symptom of Covid but also features in numerous medical conditions. Early infection symptoms that are commonly being noted with these particular infections may have something to do with that, explains Dr. Huang. Sore throat. Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. 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. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. 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. Moderna's monovalent shot contains 50 micrograms of mRNA per dose targeting the original strain. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. 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. Those symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, aches and pains, a dry cough, fever, nausea and diarrhea. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. Opinion: How did COVID-19 start? Leading experts say you should take 3 upper respiratory symptoms seriously and test for COVID-19 sooner rather than later. 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. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? Omicron appears to cause milder symptoms than previous variantsespecially in fully vaccinated people. "We should keep our eyes wide open to what side effects and adverse events might occur, and still keep in mind that this is a new product," Offit says. Gulick says that even for those who are vaccinated, a reinfection rate may be as high as 30%. This may be the sniffles or a scratchy throat, some mild fatigue, fever, aches. "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.". The most commonly-reported symptoms with the original Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, headache, congestion, and runny nose. Published Jan 4, 2022. Others include headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sneezing, nausea and loss of appetite. The bigger picture: These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are . What should you do if you think you have Omicron? Here's a full list of known, potential COVID-19 symptoms for any individual, according to the CDC: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. A Division of NBC Universal. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. And like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine can help prevent serious flu complications from ever occurring. 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. 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. Copyright 2022 HT Digital Streams Ltd All Right Reserved. Inability to wake or stay awake. 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. 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. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. 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. Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron strains, even if they had two or three doses of vaccination. Testing, if you suspect you have COVID, can help curb spread and protect others. In earlier variants, infection caused more harm to the lungs. Coronavirus or Cold Symptoms: How Do They Compare? Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. Nausea. Previously common symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever and loss of smell fell down the rankings. Congestion or runny nose. 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.. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. And what are some of the first signs of an infection? He said that symptoms such as runny nose, cough, headaches, and muscle aches remain the most common across different variants. "It can drop a little bit lower than that and still be safe. The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. Can Omicron symptoms be distinguished from Delta symptoms? I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. And while many people who have come down with an omicron infection dodged serious COVID-19 complications, its important to note that omicron is not mild for everyone. 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. 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. 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. 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. Very sick patients often feel short of breath, says Dr. Lisa Salamon, an emergency physician with Scarborough Health Network in Toronto. She notes they can also be purchased online. O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. 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. 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. 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. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you." "People have to understand, if they feel sick, we don't want them not coming to the emergency department because they're scared. The CDC reports that people's most common complaints when infected with Omicron include cough, runny nose, congestion, and fatigue. Omicron appears to be continuing the trend set by Delta. Inability to wake or stay awake. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Stay warm and drink plenty of liquids, says Dr. O'Connor. Clinicians said many BA.5 symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including congestion, headaches, cough and fever. The Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. 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 . The device monitors blood oxygen levels. stuffy nose. 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. Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. The Washington State Department of Health reported on Jan. 26 that 60 percent of Omicron patients reported having a headache, making it one of the most-common symptoms of the variant. 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. Omicron BA.2 was the dominant . If you've been exposed to someone with COVID and are watching for symptoms, how can you tell if you've been infected? "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 virus can infect some cells in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, which would lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, Dr. Pekosz . Free online workshop! KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. 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 . They may be all equally severe or present different . 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. Earlier this month the most common signs of Omicron symptoms were revealed after sufferers logged their ailments in an extensive ZOE Covid Study - with the top five remaining as runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and a sore throat. New confusion. For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. 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. "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. BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. 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 variant is shattering case records and sending test positivity rates soaring. For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. "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. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss have been reported in a number of patients across age groups. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? 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. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . Rules and guidance around what to do are changing rapidly, but there are a few key things you need to know right now. Runny or stuffy nose. 5, 2022. You may not lose your sense of . 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. If symptoms, like coughing, are bad, seek medical help.. "What we're seeing with pretty early data is household attack rates are very, very high with Omicron, even compared to other variants of SARS-CoV-2, and that was already fairly high," said Oughton. 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. Diarrhea. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . 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. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the most common symptoms of BA.5 are: Fever. "Rapid diagnosis, early diagnosis, and treatment is the way to go," Dr. Rutherford said. 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. Rachel Nania writes about health care and health policy for AARP. 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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