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", As of May 9, 258.2 million people have received at least one dose of a #COVID19 vaccine. Individuals with Medicare can get up to eight free tests a month, and many private insurance plans also cover them. The good news is that overall, Omicron is milder than Delta in both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, Gulick says. While vaccine immunity helps lower the severity of infection, it doesnt offer complete protection. "COVID-19 can be transmitted through poo . Editor's Note: This story, originally published Jan. 10, 2022, has been updated to reflect new information. The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. More: https://t.co/Xys80ZGlxV. congestion or runny nose. According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID is between two and 14 days, though the newest guidance from the agency suggests a quarantine of five days for those who are not boosted, but eligible or unvaccinated. "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.". Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. Rules and guidance around what to do are changing rapidly, but there are a few key things you need to know right now. Ask an Expert: Do I Really Need the Bivalent Booster? Unlike previous versions, Omicron symptoms are mild in fully vaccinated people. again. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. You are just one step away from creating your watchlist! "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. 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). A stuffy nose was reported by 78%. However, the CDC notes this list is not exhaustive, and people might experience different symptoms or combinations of symptoms . "Especially if you have compatible symptoms, take a negative result with not just one grain of salt, but with maybe a whole truckload of salt," said Oughton. Rest assured: They're not expected to be much different from what you may have experienced with previous vaccine and booster doses. Pfizer's trial found that about 52% of participants that received the BA.1 shot experienced mild pain at the injection site, 8% experienced moderate pain and only 0.3% experienced severe 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. . Those shots were never released to the public, because BA.1 was quickly surpassed by other omicron subvariants but their design is extremely similar to the shots now available at pharmacies and clinics nationwide. Loss of appetite. 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. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. 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). Testing, if you suspect you have COVID, can help curb spread and protect others. Any of these symptoms in any order may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Both subvariants spread more quickly, maybe because people don't realize they are sick with the virus. 1. And like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine can help prevent serious flu complications from ever occurring. People who are mixing socially and those who are unvaccinated are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. 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. 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. Most people will have a saturation of between 97 and 100 per cent, she says. 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 . In both clinical trials, the most commonly reported side effects within seven days of receiving the shot were: That's a familiar list: It's the same group of side effects that came with the original formulations. The body's milder response to a BA.4 or BA.5 infection means people may not realize they have it and can spread it. "People have to understand, if they feel sick, we don't want them not coming to the emergency department because they're scared. 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. BA.5 alone was responsible for 81% of cases in October 2022. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Digestive symptoms sometimes develop before a fever and respiratory symptoms. . A PCR test (short for polymerase chain reaction), administered at doctors offices or testing sites, can also confirm your suspicions. Roughly 26% of participants experienced a mild or moderate headache, while only 0.3% experienced a severe one. Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. 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. 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? 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. Check with your local health center or testing site (find one oncovid.gov/tests) many are offering them for free. iStock. Other people may have muscle aches, fever . They also examined clinical trial data on earlier versions of bivalent boosters targeting omicron's BA.1 subvariant. Muscle pain. 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. Join AARP for just $9 per yearwhen you sign up for a 5-year term. The virus can infect some cells in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, which would lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, Dr. Pekosz . Since it emerged in November 2021, the Omicron COVID variant has completely changed the course of the pandemic. ", As of May 9, 2022, national forecasts predict 90010,200 new #COVID19 hospitalizations will likely be reported on June 3. . Dec 10, 2021, 10:02 AM. Sore, scratchy throat . 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. "Rapid diagnosis, early diagnosis, and treatment is the way to go," Dr. Rutherford said. Related articles Omicron variant symptoms: The 'surprise' sign . 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. Starting the medications right away can significantly reduce your risks for being hospitalized with COVID-19. AARP Membership - LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. 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!). Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. Arwady's comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. Omicron Variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Are Now Dominant in U.S. How Long Does Immunity From Omicron Last? 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. List of omicron variant symptoms. 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? Dr. Oughton says other warning signs include persistent fever that lasts at least two days, if not more, and heart palpitations. And theyre hiding a horrifying secret. People need to get their booster shots for the most protection. "So, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection against severe outcomes.". These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. Here's what we know about what a BA.4 or BA.5 infection can look like and whether symptoms are any more severe than other COVID-19 strains. But if you have taken one at five and it's negative and you're feeling good, chances are very good that you're not going to have any more issues there," she said. 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. Monitoring variant proportions. The best masks are N95s or equivalents, such as Canadian-made FN95 masks, as well as KN95s and KF94s. CBC Marketplace tested KN95 and KF94 masks sold online and at big box stores. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.". Sofonea MT, Roquebert B, Foulongne V, et al. 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. Marketplace also found some N95s held up better than others in testing. Health officials arenow recommendingthat everyone 12 and older get an updated booster shot thats designed to better target omicron and its subvariants. "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. "It is clear that the disproportionate share of infections are those that are weathered at home," she says. "You should get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any of the 11 known COVID symptoms," says Dr . nausea or vomiting. Its updated booster has 25 micrograms targeting the original strain, and 25 targeting the omicron subvariants. "[It's] harder to detect because people are like, 'I just have allergies. Shutterstock. A problem, however, is that Omicrons symptoms can overlap with that of the common cold and flu. AARP Members Only Access to Special Health Content, Access AARP health Smart Guides, articles and special content. You may not lose your sense of . The CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. "People said, 'It's the worst sore throat I've ever had.' Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady previously stated. Even those who have suffered from Delta and Alpha variants had also complained of this symptom. Be sure to check with your pharmacist if you are taking other medications that those painkillers might interfere with. Scientists with the COVID Symptom Study have been tracking symptoms associated with newly diagnosed COVID cases since early in the pandemic. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Omicron cases on the . Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Arwady said testing is likely not necessary after seven days following exposure for those who are vaccinated and boosted. Many people are reporting cold-like symptoms come with Omicron, particularly among the vaccinated or boosted. The potential for the virus to be transmitted via the fecal-oral route presents additional challenges for areas . . 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. Standout omicron symptoms are primarily respiratory. 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. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. This means people are at a higher risk of reinfection. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. "But of course, that's really not the reality for many, maybe even most Canadians who are facing this.". . "Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea," Gulick said. Occasionally there can be nausea and diarrhea, Gulick said. Fatigue, or muscle and body aches. Symptoms of Omicron infection may be different, too. Others say it's trivial.". For . 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. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. If you've been exposed to someone with the virus or have COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting for a . She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID "until proven otherwise. 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. The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . How to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 subvariant: COVID symptoms range from pain felt within the body such as muscle pain, sore throat or a loss of smell and taste. "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. Sneezing. 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. We are also still learning about long COVID. Only 54% had a fever. More than 101.3 million people have received a COVID-19 booster dose. Antibodies From Vaccines vs. Antibodies From Natural Infection, How Vaccine Makers Are Tackling the Omicron Variant. Intelligence agencies have mixed opinions. 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 . Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription toAARP The Magazine. 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. 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. Severe chest pains and worsening or severe shortness of breath are signs you should head to the hospital. She notes they can also be purchased online. Some symptoms of Omicron infection include fever, dry cough, runny nose, aches and pains, nausea and diarrhea. 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. Dr. Rutherford estimated that the number of cases might be more than twice that reported. Inability to wake or stay awake. If You've Never Had COVID Are You More Susceptible to Variants? "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.". 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. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she said. Will BA.2 Cause Another COVID Wave in the U.S.? 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. "This list is not all possible symptoms," the CDC states. Children tend to have more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as . What To Know About the First Updated COVID-19 Booster, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare. 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. Remove some to bookmark this image. If your test comes back positive, ask your doctor if youre eligible for a COVID-19 treatment, such as one of the new antivirals even if your symptoms are mild. Taking those steps will really help. These symptoms, also listed by the CDC, can make the omicron infection look like a common cold. 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. "If any of these [symptoms] persist . Do Bivalent Boosters Protect Against XBB.1.5? "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. 2. "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. Fatigue. Laura Hensley is an award-winning lifestyle journalist who has worked in some of the largest newsrooms in Canada. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Is your N95-style mask failing you? 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 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. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Cough. 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. Leading experts say you should take 3 upper respiratory symptoms seriously and test for COVID-19 sooner rather than later. Over 80% commonly reported a cough, while 72% experienced a sore throat. At Atrium Health hospitals, where Dr. Passarettti works, hospitalizations due to the BA.5 variant spiked in mid-2022. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of any variant of COVID-19 are: Fever or chills. "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. WATCH |CBC's Marketplace has tips on how to spot counterfeit masks: In the meantime, you can adapt existing masks for better protection to filter particles in the environment. From the symptoms to how it spreads, everything about this variant was different from its predecessors. Omicron has numerous mutations with potential to increase transmissibility, confer resistance to therapeutics, or partially escape infection- or vaccine-induced . Its possible you have COVID-19 but took the test before the virus was detectable. 2021;34(10):666-668. doi:10.1089/vim.2021.0126. 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. A single dose of Pfizer's monovalent vaccine contains 30 micrograms of mRNA targeting the original Covid strain. 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. Diarrhea, a common symptom for earlier variants, may turn up. In earlier variants, infection caused more harm to the lungs. Previously common symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever and loss of smell fell down the rankings. O'Connor says that many emergency departments across Canada are offering virtual consultations, and she suggests people try that first before coming to hospital. Oughton is mindful many places across Canada may be experiencing cold weather, so open windows may be a limited solution. Why Are There So Many Omicron SubvariantsAnd What Can They Tell Us About the Future of the Pandemic? Though more people were in the hospital in 2022, the number of deaths nationwide plateaued from April to September 2022, according to the CDC. ; And how to prevent infection by the BA.2.12.1 strain. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. But Passaretti has heard that people with BA.5 or Omicron may experience worse fevers and sore throats. "Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you." Its also important to get your booster shot, wear a mask, and avoid large crowds whenever possible. A person is also considered contagious before symptoms appear. Others experience no symptoms at all. "Many patients we're seeing are actually testing positive before they have symptoms, so they're testing positive on a rapid antigen," she said. 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. Communities can avoid major complications and deaths from the BA.4 and BA.5 variants the same way as with any other variant. Half of them didnt offer the level of protection theyre supposed to. 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. Vomiting. The CDC recommends getting the flu shot before theend of October; adults 65 and older should ask forthe high-dose version. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. The four most common symptoms of the omicron variant are cough, fatigue, congestion and runny nose, according to a CDC analysis of the first 43 cases investigated in the . Runny nose. It's also important to remember that COVID-19 affects everyone differently. Moderna's trial found that nearly 59% of participants experienced fatigue, but only about 4% experienced that at a Grade 3 level, which is defined as significant fatigue that prevents daily activity. KOCO 5 is keeping you updated on the COVID-19 pandemic in Oklahoma. The new shots have the same dosage amounts as the original vaccines, which further suggests that their safety profiles could be similar, Offit says. Omicron symptoms overlap with typical cold symptoms, so it's very important to get tested if you have cold-like symptoms. Dont have insurance? The Omicron coronavirus variant is very transmissible, making it likely you or someone you know will catch it. Fever. 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. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Although the first cases of Omicron were observed in late 2021, the variant might have been around for several months.