The latest Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariant, which scientists have labeled BA.2.12.1, is on track to become the most virulent strain in the United States currently. 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. But if you're gonna do it once do it in five and I feel good about that.". Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. For instance, some studies report that loss of taste and smell once a telltale sign of COVID-19 occurs less often in omicron infections. 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. Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include: The CDC also has what it calls a "coronavirus self checker" that allows people to answer a series of questions to determine if they should seek medical care. Editor's Note: This story, originally published Jan. 10, 2022, has been updated to reflect new information. Sore throat. 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. About 90% of those hospitalized are unvaccinated, he said. And theyre hiding a horrifying secret. Oklahoma COVID-19 cases, deaths, omicron variant, testing sites "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. "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. Fatigue. Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing. But at 92 per cent, we'd be wanting you to come in for further examination," she said. pic.twitter.com/PcgVBYojKi. . 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. Although the first cases of Omicron were observed in late 2021, the variant might have been around for several months. Mayo Clinic expert discusses the latest on omicron variant. So can other COVID-19 complaints like headache and muscle pain. The 5 stages of an Omicron infection you need to know about Communities can avoid major complications and deaths from the BA.4 and BA.5 variants the same way as with any other variant. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. The symptoms that arise from a case of COVID-19 caused by the now-dominant omicron strain known as BA.5 don't seem to differ from those caused by its parent variant or any of the other omicron offshoots, experts say. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. Diarrhea, a common symptom for earlier variants, may turn up. For . 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. Other people may have muscle aches, fever . Omicron Symptoms Mostly Mild or Asymptomatic in US, Europe: Officials 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. "It is highly anticipated that a more targeted vaccine to current variants will be needed for the fall.". How the Pandemic Will Be Different in 2022, Be sure to check the date on the box before you test yourself, Why COVID-19 Variants Have Greek Names, AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx, Free Rx discount card for use at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, AARP Online Fitness powered by LIFT session, Customized workouts designed around your goals and schedule, SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS. Pfizer and BioNTech Submit for U.S. Emergency Use Authorization of Diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here's One Early Omicron Symptom You Should Watch for as Infections December data from the ZOE COVID Study app, a global initiative to track COVID cases and symptoms, adds fatigue and sneezing to the list of common Omicron symptoms. 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. Will a U.S. COVID-19 vaccine maker be able to stay in business? How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? Redness and swelling at the injection site. "It was really surprising, a lot of these sick patients that I was seeing, their oxygen saturations were extremely low and they just realized how short of breath they were when they came in.". Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she said. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. We are also still learning about long COVID. 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 . stuffy nose. Many are asking these questions as omicron cases surge nationwide and as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update their quarantine and isolation guidelines, which now differ depending on whether or not you have a symptomatic infection. But notably, in those clinical trials, the severity of the side effects was very mild. "COVID-19 can be transmitted through poo . "We have also crossed the grim milestone of 1 million American lives lost to COVID.". "If you use the cloth mask as an overlay over top of a surgical mask or a medical mask that sort of improves the quality of the fit on your face,"saidOughton. Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron strains, even if they had two or three doses of vaccination. iStock. Others include headaches, muscle aches, runny nose, sneezing, nausea and loss of appetite. When To Get Boosted After Having a COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection, CDC recommends the first COVID-19 booster, Trends in number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the US reported to the CDC, by state/territory. However, protection against hospitalization and death have remained high, preventing millions of people from dying, WHO pointed out, Download the Mint app and read premium stories. "Initial symptoms appear to be related to a scratchy or sore throat, often quite mild," she says. Surefire Signs Omicron is in Your Body Eat This Not That For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test. The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. RACGP - What are the symptoms of Omicron? - NewsGP From Delta to Omicron: Analysing the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in France using variant-specific screening tests (September 1 to December 18, 2021). Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they? - Mayo Clinic For some, symptoms last as much as 10 to 14 days. That said, lots of different factors can affect the severity of symptoms, the CDC says, and vaccination status is one of them. These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. 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. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. Idaho lawmaker wants to criminalize the most-used COVID-19 vaccines, What is Orthrus? "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. What doctors wish patients knew about the BA.2 Omicron subvariant For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. The Omicron variant is so transmissible and so widespread across Canadathat it's likely that you know someone who has it right now, or you have it yourself. 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. Starting the medications right away can significantly reduce your risks for being hospitalized with COVID-19. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell. The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. Investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant Cluster They've often been associated with those who are feeling mild COVID-19 symptoms, including children, according to Insider. If you've been exposed to someone with COVID and are watching for symptoms, how can you tell if you've been infected? Think you may have Omicron? Here are things you can do All Rights Reserved. Unlike previous versions, Omicron symptoms are mild in fully vaccinated people. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, Accenture exec says, How this 39-year-old earns $26,000 a year in California. COVID symptoms: How to tell when to get tested - The Palm Beach Post "This list is not all . Listen. 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 . He said that symptoms such as runny nose, cough, headaches, and muscle aches remain the most common across different variants. Dont have insurance? "If any of these [symptoms] persist . Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually . Vomiting. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . 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. Flashback: Gastrointestinal symptoms have been mentioned as possible symptoms before. And will it take Utah for a wild ride?. Also known as "stealth" Omicron, BA.2 is the dominant strain in the U.S., sparking new questions. If you know or think you've got Omicron, stay home. Diarrhea; What is the COVID omicron variant? 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. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. COVID-19 symptoms and the Omicron variant: What the latest studies show AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal. Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. Nausea. People with prior infection, even with BA.1 and BA.2, are likely still at risk for BA.4 or BA.5.. Omicron appears to cause milder symptoms than previous variantsespecially in fully vaccinated people. 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. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. "People said, 'It's the worst sore throat I've ever had.' 2. You can treat the milder symptomscough, sore throat, runny noseat home. 1. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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 . For those patients with asthma who are having a wheeze with this, we may prescribe puffers for them to help out," she said. Half of them didnt offer the level of protection theyre supposed to. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. "I think if you're being extra careful there, if you wanted to test again, you know, at seven even, sometimes people look at three to get an earlier sense of things. Since BA.4 and BA.5 have become the dominant strains, Dr. Wesley Long, an experimental pathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital,told CNNthat he has seen cases of reinfection. Aside from classic Covid-19 symptoms, according to Dr. Singh, some of the distinguishing symptoms of the Omicron variant are: runny nose. Fever or chills. Reuters. Sneezing. In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. Covid symptoms: Gastrointestinal signs possible link to Omicron Read on to learn more about the newest Omicron subvariant and its most common symptoms. Those who are unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said. Written and produced by Andrea BellemareandVik Adhopia with files from Melanie Glanz. ", 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 CDC recommends getting the flu shot before theend of October; adults 65 and older should ask forthe high-dose version. 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. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. Symptoms to watch for and when to seek hospital care. Omicron BA.5 May Increase the Risk of Outdoor TransmissionHere's How to Stay Safe. Salamon also noted it's important for people who are seriously ill withCOVID,or another medical condition,to seek care at the hospital without hesitation. Rules and guidance around what to do are changing rapidly, but there are a few key things you need to know right now. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. Be sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking other medications that those painkillers might interfere with. Muscle or body aches. 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. 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. Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. 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 . The experience of COVID diarrhea is very similar to how we feel sick from a regular stomach bug. Omicron symptoms: The surprising sign when you go to the toilet Some other lesser known symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, nausea and diarrhea according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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. 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. These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. Unusual symptom of Omicron could be diarrhoea as Covid - The Sun 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. The FDA recommends taking another test 48 hours after the first. "Sometimes they don't realize how short of breath they are until it's too late, particularly in younger patients," she said. However, many of the more common Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are not severe, and you can often treat them at home. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations. But COVID-19 can cause symptoms you may not expect, including: Digestive symptoms. 5, 2022. Some of the symptoms that one may experience in the stomach are - abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and diarrhoea, rather than breathing issues, coughing, fever, etc. 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. What kind of symptoms does this highly contagious variant present, you may wonder? COVID: BA.5 symptoms, infection, what to know about omicron subvariant 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. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. New confusion. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. "Preliminary data from studies in Beijing and South Africa have signaled what is expected; new variants and subvariants may be more likely to cause reinfection in an individual who was previously infected with an old variant," Dr. Nagrani explains. Omicron Variant Symptoms | Last Updated January 2022 | U.S. News We want them to seek the appropriate medical care," she 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.". Runny nose. "But we are certainly seeing an increase in cases in the community, and that's spilling over to more patients admitted with COVID.". Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 Symptoms: What To Know - Health 2022. doi:10.1101/2021.12.31.21268583, Arnold CG, Monte AA, Littlefield K, Vest A, Palmer BE. Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. It'll just take a moment. 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. Diarrhea. "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. She's the deputy medical director of the emergency departments at the University Health Network in Toronto. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: Trouble breathing Others experience no symptoms at all. 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. Omicron Symptoms and Treatment: What to Know - Anschutz Medical Campus They may be all equally severe or present different . As with the symptoms themselves, it was too early as of September 2022 to tell just how severely the variants might affect patients. 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 best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Others say it's trivial.". I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months, he added. These include: A runny nose Diarrhea. Research also suggests that people who are infected with omicron aresick for shorter periods of timethan those with delta. Cough. A simple swab of the nose can tell you whether you have COVID-19 in about 15 minutes. Any combination, and varying levels of severity, of the following symptoms may be triggered by an Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. With previous coronavirus strains like Delta, the . Inability to wake or stay awake. Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. Clinicians said many BA.5 symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including congestion, headaches, cough and fever. Again, everyone is different and will experience their own early symptoms, but these seem to be among the group reported be most patients. Omicron-specific Covid booster shot side effects: What to expect - CNBC "And then you get other people infected.". The most common Omicron symptoms include cough, fatigue, and a runny nose, according to health officials in the US and Europe. 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. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss have been reported in a number of patients across age groups. And for the most part, that seems to hold true with omicron and its subvariants, including thenow-dominant BA.5. But we do know it to be more transmissible and more immune-evading. Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. Moderna's monovalent shot contains 50 micrograms of mRNA per dose targeting the original strain. 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. More infections were driving a higher number of COVID-19 hospitalizations rather than more severe symptoms. Stay warm and drink plenty of liquids, says Dr. O'Connor. "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. Loss of appetite makes sense, too, if one of the main new symptoms is vomiting. COVID-19 Boosters Are Being Updated To Target Omicron SubvariantsHere's Why. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. CBC Marketplace tested KN95 and KF94 masks sold online and at big box stores. Headache. They also examined clinical trial data on earlier versions of bivalent boosters targeting omicron's BA.1 subvariant. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test - that's COVID. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . 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 Omicron variant has seen a change in symptoms being reported though. Over 80% commonly reported a cough, while 72% experienced a sore throat. The best way to prevent getting sick is to ensure you're up-to-date on your COVID vaccinations, including any recommended boosters (even if that means seeking out another vaccine brand manufacturer).