These were: a persistent cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever and sneezing. If youre unsure if you have a cold or COVID, get tested as soon as possible. Not only are the symptoms from a BA.4 and BA.5 infection similar to other Omicron variants, but they also seem to have a similar severity, Dr. Passaretti and Dr. Rutherford said. 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. "[There are] adults who have had fevers of almost 40 degrees Centigrade [104 degrees Fahrenheit]," Dr. Rutherford told Health. 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. The virus can infect some cells in a patient's gastrointestinal tract, which would lead to stomach issues like diarrhea, Dr. Pekosz . Omicron appears to cause milder symptoms than previous variantsespecially in fully vaccinated people. CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about the virus. Very sick patients often feel short of breath, says Dr. Lisa Salamon, an emergency physician with Scarborough Health Network in Toronto. Listen. You can still be confident going in, he says just don't be 100% sure what to expect. Some other lesser known symptoms include vomiting, lack of appetite, nausea and diarrhea according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They've often been associated with those who are feeling mild COVID-19 symptoms, including children, according to Insider. Fever or chills. Cosmopolitan, Sign up for Yahoo Lifes daily newsletter, how current vaccines stack up in protecting Americans, yet to receive a recommended third booster vaccine, Women who had ovarian cysts share their stories, A sugar replacement may be linked to heart attacks and strokes, but don't throw it out yet. "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. (Shilpa Thakur) Patients often get COVID diarrhea after being infected with Delta or Omicron . 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 . 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!). "If you're taking multiple at home tests, you know, the recommendation is five days later take a test. Aria Bendix and Hilary Brueck. As with the symptoms themselves, it was too early as of September 2022 to tell just how severely the variants might affect patients. "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. Also, opt for outdoor activities over indoor ones, and if transmission rates are high in your area, weara maskin indoor public places. Hundreds of Americans are still dying from COVID-19 each day. Learn how vehicle tech like blind spot warnings and drowsy driving alerts can help make driving safer. They may be all equally severe or present different . 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. Oops! The CDC announced the first known case of the omicron variant in the United States on Dec. 1, days after its . Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the case of gastrointestinal illness, a doctor should be consulted, and a test should be administered immediately. Infected people may then go to work or other gatherings and spread the virus. "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. . It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. 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.. 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. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the most common symptoms of BA.5 are: Omicron and its subvariants are highly contagious theyre even known for reinfecting people who recently got over COVID-19. 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. An 85-year Harvard study found the No. They also examined clinical trial data on earlier versions of bivalent boosters targeting omicron's BA.1 subvariant. Check with your local health center or testing site (find one oncovid.gov/tests) many are offering them for free. These symptoms are a sign that the omicron variant's symptoms are unpredictable. So, an increase in the number of children affected is expected. @CDCgov is prepared to quickly identify any new variant & evaluate the public health impact.Updated variant proportions. How Are the BA.4 and BA.5 Variants Different? What Are Symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 Variants? Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. Scientists with the COVID Symptom Study have been tracking symptoms associated with newly diagnosed COVID cases since early in the pandemic. 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. Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you: https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV. 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. 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. "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.". "I've told my own staff this, it's what I do myself if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. Because omicron symptoms can be mistaken for the common cold or flu, doctors urge anyone experiencing them to isolate until symptoms subside. "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. "So if you're feeling at all under the weather, please make sure that you get a test, make . 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). For instance, some studies report that loss of taste and smell once a telltale sign of COVID-19 occurs less often in omicron infections. But health experts have noted a few differences between the omicron family and its predecessors. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. 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. The FDA recommends taking another test 48 hours after the first. "They may only feel like they have a cold," she 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. 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. 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. Chest pain. A passenger . Taking those steps will really help. muscle aches, lethargy, and even on some occasions diarrhea and nausea, he said. 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. CDC recommends the first COVID-19 booster. By Laura Hensley In the winter, when we experience cold and flu season, it can be hard to differentiate a COVID infection from other viruses. AARP Membership LIMITED TIME FLASH SALE. Diarrhea was slightly more . "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. Although the first cases of Omicron were observed in late 2021, the variant might have been around for several months. In case you cant find any email from our side, please check the spam folder. Why Are There So Many Omicron SubvariantsAnd What Can They Tell Us About the Future of the Pandemic? "At the moment, we don't have medications that we can prescribe that someone can take at home.