"It's still too early to say that there's any difference in symptoms between the Omicron variant and previous versions," Ashley Z. Ritter, an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania told the New York Times on Wednesday. Earlier reports, however limited, indicate that Omicron variant infections may differ just slightly from cases experts have seen stem from the spread of Delta and other earlier variants that were of concern in 2021. The most common Covid symptom was loss of appetite, which affected 24 per cent of patients, according to the study published in theLancetmedical journal. One symptom is now largely associated with infections and could be easily mistaken during the winter season. "Every patient I've seen with Covid that's had a 3rd 'booster' dose has had mild symptoms. Just because Omicron may spread at a faster rate than earlier diseases, Dr. Kman stresses that it doesn't mean those who are impacted by this specific virus will have worse COVID-19 symptoms automatically. A string ofpositive studiesshow Omicron is milder than other strains, with data revealing the risk of hospitalisation is50 to 70 per cent lower than with Delta. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. ", MD, director of Global Health and Emergency Department physician at Staten Island University Hospital who explained when Omicron symptoms start and how to tell the difference between the virus and the flu. While health officials in America may believe it's too soon to tell if most Omicron infections are indeed mild, there is more weight to earlier reports that Omicron infections tend to trigger symptoms of fatigue and body aches over others like breathlessness or loss of taste and smell. So does Omicron cause stomach pain . Number of steps you need to burn off calories from crisps to pizza revealed, Warning as 3 people in UK test positive for rare skin disease spread by cats, How a simple tweak to your daily routine could help you shed pounds, Warning as bowel cancer surges in young people - the signs to know, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, 'Covid toes' involves toes turning red and purple with swelling, burning, or itching also reported, Loss of appetite and nausea are other warning signs of an infection, A foot rash known as 'Covid toe' can also affect the hands, doctors say, As symptoms vary, doctors warn that you should treat any illness like Covid until you are tested, Don't mistake this 'very strange' Omicron symptom for common cold, doctors warn, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. It is still very severe in patients that are unvaccinated, so this should not be overemphasized. If you experience a sudden onset of these symptoms, you're encouraged to check with your doctor. Below, experts explain everything they've learned about Omicron symptoms and infections so far and what Americans should know if they expect they're experiencing an Omicron-related sickness. Runny nose. That, he says, may help explain why its spreading so quickly around the world. Doctor Davey Smith, UCSD Chief of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, told local CBS affiliate KFMB that it is a "very strange" symptom that accompanies a "bucket of crazy symptoms" attributed to the virus. And if you had a relatively mild time previously, there's a good chance you'll have the same experience with this version. Steam Room vs. Sauna: Which Is Better for You? Congestion or runny nose. NDPP-BJP govt in Nagaland to take oath on 7 Ma Studies reveal people infected with the Omicron BA.2 show gut-related symptoms, On being infected, patients are complaining of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating. It actually started with a male patient whos around the age of 33 and he said to me that hes just [been] extremely tired for the past few days and hes got these body aches and pains with a bit of a headache, Angelique Coetzee, M.D., chair of the South African Medical Association, said. states, "People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. So how do you tell if your cough or sore throat is a cold or COVID? I think what we are experiencing, though, is for people who . sore throat. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Nasal congestion/stuffy nose. "We're now seeing more headache, body aches, and a cough that's maybe mild to . COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. The earliest tests on Omicron have indicated that it may not cause as severe of symptoms experienced due to Delta infections in South Africa, where the first instance of Omicron infections were reported, the nation's Medical Research Council shared testimony that the majority of patients impacted by Omicron infections didn't require ventilators or emergency oxygen to breathe while in treatment. Data from the ZOE COVID Study app found that those infected during the Omicron wave were 25% less likely to be admitted to the hospital than patients infected during the Delta wave. Based on the CDC's genomic surveillance, the BA.2 or stealth Omicron subvariant is responsible for most new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the U.S. BA.2 is a subvariant of the original SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), along with BA.1.1 and BA.3. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID. It is important to remember that this is not the only symptom with common signs being fatigue, breathing issues, muscle and body aches as well as headaches or a sore throat. "We know that people infected with Omicron can have the full spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic infection to mild disease, all the way to severe disease to death," Van Kerkhove said during a question-and-answer session, per CNBC. "That's a heck of a lot more disruptive to your life than just the sore arm and it has the potential to be even worse if you get really sick.". Furthermore . Fatigue. "The symptoms are pretty similar. Vomiting. Dr. Thomas Murray agreed: "Far and away I think the most common side effect that people will see will be pain at the injection site," Murray, associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Yale School of Medicine, told TODAY. This may be due to how the virus' protein has mutated, particularly "the spike protein, or how the virus infects cells," Dr. Johnston says. These boosters may better protect against COVID-19 infections with the variants currently circulating specifically BA.4 and BA.5. But experts warn that more data needs to be gathered before it can be conclusively said that Omicron causes different symptoms. Nausea and vomiting could be an early symptom of the Omicron variant. But that may have more to do with people's vaccination status than the virus itselfbecause more people than ever are vaccinated, it's possible Omicron just seems milder. Omicron can affect your gut apart from upper respiratory tract and the abdominal symptoms are becoming common in people infected with the new strain. An April 2022 study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy found that Omicron has more than 30 mutations in the spike genethe part of the virus that allows it to penetrate your cells and infect youand it's likely more transmissible than the original SARS-CoV-2. : Space agencies consider common ti After Turkeys earthquakes, many families scra Elon Musks latest reveal? The study pointed out there's a danger that people who experience these stomach symptoms first may . Omicron has also been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage, the WHO says. Some researchers argue Omicron may spare the lungs and cause milder disease because TMPRSS2 is more common on cells in the lower airways, but there are few data to support that, Peacock says. What Is a COVID-19 Breakthrough Infection? Congestion or runny nose. However, with the Omicron variant, Dr. Williams said more patients have been experiencing gastrointestinal system symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Try to time your shot for a day in which you don't have much going on so that, if you do have to take it easy, you won't be missing much. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific communitys understanding of the novel coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. Avoid self-medication including so-called safe Ayurvedic treatment without consulting your doctor. ", RELATED: This Kind of Fat is Most Dangerous, Say Experts. Certainly, some symptoms are more likely with COVID, like loss of taste and smell but other than that it's hard to tell based on symptoms. But these symptoms also depend on your vaccination status, age, comorbidity conditions and history of natural infections.". While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department to stay informed on the latest news. Abdominal pain. On December 1, 2021just a few days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a variant of concernthe Omicron variant made its debut in the U.S. with its first confirmed case. Cough. The symptoms of the Delta variant are often like those of a very bad cold. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Some people might also experience systemic reactions, like fatigue or a low-grade fever, the experts said. Doctors say one of the first signs of the omicron variant in particular can be a scratchy throat, followed by headache and fatigue. It's highly unlikely that doctors will be able to help you determine if you are suffering from an Omicron COVID-19 infection specifically without laboratory tests, even if fatigue is your primary symptom. Those individuals already tend to have milder infections, says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Muscle or body aches. Common upper respiratory symptoms associated with omicron include the following: Cough. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The majority of the Omicron patients in the CDC study (79%) were also fully vaccinated. We are seeing +100k #COVID19 cases per day in the U.S. Last week, over 99% were #DeltaVariant. A compress might also help ease injection site reactions. Vomiting was an issue for nine per cent, while stomach pain plagued seven per cent of those discharged from hospital after Covid. Janice Johnston, M.D., co-founder and chief medical officer at Redirect Health, says that the Omicron variant may infect individuals differently, but that it's not uncommon for subsequent symptoms to be the same as those we've seen earlier in the pandemic. nausea or vomiting. In fact, the CDC advises that long COVID a range of symptoms that . While the list of potential symptoms related to Omicron infections is the same, limited data suggests that a few symptoms chiefly fatigue, feeling overtired or exhausted and pain across multiple muscle groups on the body are much more common than breathlessness or a loss of taste and smell associated with previous strains of the coronavirus. If you test positive for COVID, the CDC advises that you isolate for 10 days after the date any symptoms started (as long as your symptoms are improving and you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using any fever-reducing medications). Dr. Cioe-Pea says, "Yes, it's very contagious but it is still possible to avoid exposure. 1 These May Be The Primary Symptoms of Omicron. Symptoms: Admire said these symptoms can often show up: Nausea. We just dont have a lot of data yet., Dr. Russo says hes concerned about talk of Omicron being a mild infection, when the majority of cases have been in people who are vaccinated or younger. While Omicron currently might be the most prevalent people can still catch other strains. Pale, grey, or blue colored skin is a warning sign of omicron that doctors are urging people to look out for. And recently a few studies have cited the stealth Omicron can cause as severe infections as Delta (However, they are yet to be peer-reviewed). How do you know if you've been infected with Omicron, how severe is it, and what should you do? Skipped meals. But, as with all the previous coronavirus vaccines, the new omicron-specific COVID-19 boosters may come with some side effects. More fever. . The recently discovered Omicron variant is fueling a new surge of COVID-19 cases across the nation healthcare providers in more than 19 American states (and 50 countries in total) are currently reporting official infections traced back to this new version of the novel coronavirus, according .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}to public statements made by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Expert studies have shown that the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 is reduced by 90 percent or more among people who are fully vaccinated. "It is clear that if you're vaccinated, particularly if you've had a booster, Omicron tends to produce milder infections," Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center," told NBC. Congestion or runny nose. Dr. Parodi is an associate executive director at The Permanente Medical Group, a member of the AMA Health System Program. This is proving to be especially true for those vaccinated individuals who experience breakthrough COVID-19 illness. Nausea or vomiting. Fever or chills. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. Green color. Loss of smell or taste. Their advice: If you're having any symptoms that are out of the ordinary, get tested for COVID ASAPeven if you've been fully vaccinated or boostedand self-isolate until you know the results. According to the CDC, if you have diarrhoea when you go to the toilet this could be a sign that you have the Omicron variant. You are now subscribed to our newsletters. While fever, cough, and shortness of breath are common signs of a possible coronavirus infection, other strange symptoms are being attributed to the virus. Again, research on Omicron is new and ongoing, but there has been some data that suggests this variant may have different symptoms than previous strains. Also, early outbreaks of Omicron have been among young adults who tend to have milder infections anyway, as well as among those who are more likely to have antibody protection through vaccination or previous infection, Anne Liu, MD, an infectious disease physician with Stanford Health Care, told Health. 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. RELATED: Things to Never Do After Age 40, Say Health Experts. The possibility of long COVID. But the companies' human clinical trials with these specific formulations are still in progress. And those who are 18 and older can get either the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech updated shots, the CDC says. Sore throat. "Do not pass off abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite as a normal flu, if you have symptoms, isolate yourself. You should test after an exposure, or any COVID-compatible symptoms. 2 Omicron Symptoms In Country Where It Originated, According to South Africa's biggest private health insurer, South Africans with an Omicron infection often develop. ALSO READ: Recovered from Omicron? Cough. Nausea or vomiting. His Tesla managemen Startup offering ozempic surges with controver Japan to launch 2 new work visas J-FIND and J- Goldman Sachs doesnt want to Be everyones ba Electric vehicles are shattering the barrier t 'Don't ask same questions': Court tells CBI as Cuts at Amazon, other tech companies dont spe How to invest in these very confusing times. "In children, Omicron can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, which may cause dehydration. Mild or severe fatigue. "The reporters from providers described South African patients had severe fatigue, but no loss of taste or smell," he tells Good Housekeeping. Loss of appetite makes sense, too, if one of the main new symptoms is vomiting. While omicron may cause less severe symptoms, this may not mean a decreased risk of long-term sickness. Omicron symptoms: The surprising sign when you go to the toilet - coronavirus OMICRON may cause a number of signs to appear. "We know that this virus travels to different parts of the body. Wait at least 4 hours if you can, Yang advised, but don't hesitate to take the medication if you're really in pain. "Omicron symptoms are very mild, but very transmissible," Dr. Lahita states. Last week, it accounted for 73% of new COVID infections in the United States, according to the latest CDC data. Experts tentatively say that Omicron seems to be producing milder symptoms than previous variants. Though someone infected with Covid may not experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to be aware that they could be signs of an infection. The variant has also caused other concerns due to its high transmission rate. Were not seeing that this is going to cause permanent damage, Freeman said. * People should eat fresh cooked food maintaining good hand hygiene. Some of the top online searches related to Omicron symptoms include "nausea," "diarrhea" and "fatigue . What supplements should we really be taking? The Food and Drug Administration and CDC advisory panels reviewed available data about the updated boosters when making their decisions to authorize and recommend them. Muscle aches. Diarrhea. The most common symptoms for COVID-19 infections, including those caused by Omicron, as listed by CDC officials are below: Fever or body chills. He has written about food and dining for Time, among other publications. CDC's COVID symptom list: Fever or chills. Many of the common omicron variant symptoms resemble other COVID-19 symptoms. While you may have heard that Omicron symptoms are mild, doctors say thats not necessarily the full story. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Other common symptoms include nasal congestion, a dry cough, and aches (particularly lower back pain). At least 19 states have confirmed cases of #OmicronVariant. Earlier this month the most common signs of Omicron symptoms were revealed after sufferers logged their ailments in an . The most common symptoms for COVID-19 infections, including those caused by Omicron, as listed by CDC officials are below: Any of these symptoms in any order may appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. This could be due to Omicron infecting the gut mucosa and the resulting inflammation," says Dr Manoj Goel, Director, Pulmonology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. Symptoms like arm soreness or general fatigue can make it challenging to go through the motions of work and school. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant continue to sweep across the country. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The US CDC has said diarrhoea could be a symptom of Omicron, People should be aware of all the possible signs of Omicron, Don't mistake this 'very strange' Omicron symptom for common cold, doctors warn, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "We've seen this for years with the influenza virus; every patient is not the same in terms of holistic health, immunity level and ability to fight the virus," she adds. There are a number of curveballs out there with Omicron, and were still learning about this variant, Dr. Schaffner says. They say the rare complication in serious Covid cases meansoxygen levels in the blood are low. Its important to point out that theres still a lot that scientists around the world are learning about this variantthe WHO was only alerted to its existence about a month ago, after all. It's highly contagiousscientists estimate it's twice as transmissible as the Delta variant, which itself was twice as transmissible as the original COIVD strainwhich calls for an abundance of caution.