Sneezing. } ); The symptoms COVID infections, according to the CDC, include: Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. } This means there has been a break from some of the earlier tell-tale COVID symptoms like loss of smell or taste and shortness of breath. Read on to find out what you should be watching out for when it comes to this new version of the virus. The stealth variant has about 20 mutations that differ from the original Omicron, according to Francois Balloux, a professor of computational system biology and director of the UCL Genetics Institute in London. However, the "stealth" version, as it has been dubbed, does appear to be even more transmissible. headache. However, there is no need to worry since symptoms have been mild, with no rise in hospitalizations or ICU admissions. By comparison, it's responsible Despite BA.2 being labeled a subvariant of Omicron, there are still significant differences in the genetic makeup of the variants. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. These 7 Symptoms Could Be Signs of the New "Stealth" Omicron Variant, These 4 New COVID Symptoms Could Mean You Have Omicron, Doctors Warn, For more up-to-date information, sign up for our The content is reviewed by Solv Health only to confirm educational value and reader interest. Read on to know more. Some scientists have referred to BA.2 as a "stealth" variant because, although it has many mutations in common with the original BA.1 Omicron variant, it lacks a genetic deletion on the spike protein that allows the rapid identification of probable cases using certain PCR tests. One can also rule out symptoms like loss of smell or taste and shortness of breath, as the BA.2 variant does not affect the lungs primarily. "Last week in Denmark, BA.2 was about 60 percent of the cases. Get the latest news in medicine and public health delivered to your inbox MondayFriday. However, the bivalent vaccine released last year offers protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID variants, including previous Omicron subvariants, including XBB.1.15 (CDC study). By using Solv, you accept ouruse of cookies. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Its not the old people or the people with severe disease. By now, theres a good chance you may have heard about one of the latest new phenomenons known as stealth omicron. And unfortunately, this isnt just a case of another variant that tends to leave you without any symptoms, as its moniker may imply. As Dr. Van Kerkhove, WHO epidemiologist, noted, XBB.1.16 replaced other existing variants in India. Knowing the signs of the stealth variant can help to detect the condition faster and take the right steps to avoid complications. Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,told NBC Newsin January that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. Experts Explain, Your Favorite Fried Food Could Be Causing Anxiety. Most vaccinated people either have no symptoms or exhibit very mild symptoms, according to health officials, and the virus rarely results in hospitalization or death for those individuals. There is no need to panic; public health agencies continue to track the variant closely. Additionally, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnsons Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may now receive a second booster dose with an mRNA vaccine. While some are referring to this as medium COVID, there isnt a scientific name for it just yet. increases its ability to transmit infections, https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/21042023xbb.1.16ra-v2.pdf?sfvrsn=84577350_1, https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions, https://www.solvhealth.com/blog/xbb15-what-do-you-need-to-know, https://www.who.int/multi-media/details/who-press-conference-on-covid-19-and-other-global-health-issues-29-march-2023, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7205e1.htm?s_cid=mm7205e1_w, https://www.thequint.com/fit/arcturus-xbb-116-covid-variant-symptoms-cases-in-india, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html, https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/new-covid-19-variant-arcturus-rise-us-98800298, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. Scientists and health officials around the world are keeping their eyes on a descendant of the omicron variant that has been found in at least 40 countries, including the United States. Shutterstock. Stealth Omicron represented only 9% of infections, and BA.4 represented just over 11% of infections. That means that while the test can detect a BA.2 infection, it looks like it is the Delta variant instead. } else { Still, omicron presented a shift in common symptoms for many. There's certainly cause for concern, mainly because it's so transmissible, Dr. Crum said. Informally, some researchers are calling the new variant "stealth Omicron" because it lacks the deletion that allows PCR tests to spot it. These symptoms are likely to appear within two to three days after being infected with the virus. This has led to more questions. One of the things that's amazing about this virus is the different problems people have come in with, Dr. Crum said. As per one of the leading professors in the UK, cases of Stealth Omicron show symptoms of the gut. This makes it quite different from the Omicron variant in a number of ways and is also a reason for concern. Back to School 2022: Tips to protect your kids from Omicron BA.5. "It's not like this variant has increased ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity," Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York, told Prevention. "While we're waiting for data to come in, I would expect that somebody who has just had, if you knew that it was Omicron, you would probably be unlikely to get Omicron again for the next few months based on what we've seen previously. The Omicron strain has mutated slightly into a new iteration, becoming the leading source of infection in some parts of the world. The Omicron variant is still the most concerning version of COVID taking over the U.S. right now. fatigue (mild or severe) sneezing. The sub-variant has quickly earned a moniker the "stealth" Omicron variant as officials begin to learn more about its unique characteristics, explains Karen Edwards, Ph.D., professor and chair of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. Its a whirlwind of activities with lots of planning Another day, another COVID-19 variant in the news at least thats what it feels like these days. If you feel sick or have COVID-like symptoms, Solv can help you find a COVID test and an urgent care center near you. [emailprotected]. The NHS explained: "These may come and go throughout the day. The beginning of a new school year is always hectic. Always contact your healthcare provider directly with any questions you may have regarding your health or specific medical advice. Stealth omicron: New 'stealth' omicron variant, BA.2, has arrived in the US, but don't panic, experts say. She noted that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations. 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. This subvariant has a high number of mutations compared to Omicron. Even though BA.2 is labelled a subvariant of Omicron, its genetic make-up is quite different from the latter. The latest COVID variants are spreading faster with more breakthrough infections. The AMA leads the charge on public health. Were two years into the .css-16acfp5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#d2232e;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-16acfp5:hover{color:#000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:yellow;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}Covid-19 pandemic and if youre exhausted just trying to keep up with the latest variants, we dont blame you. Download the Mint app and read premium stories. But I'm less confident in that statement than I would have been for prior variants, given what we've seen.". RELATED: These 4 New COVID Symptoms Could Mean You Have Omicron, Doctors Warn. Omicron is very contagious and, according to Danish scientists, the BA.2 variant is slightly more contagious (1.5 times) than the first Omicron strain, Dr. Naik explains. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=31f69216-08dd-4ced-9dad-6d1cfb317c69&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=4163007888331790249'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Some people started calling it stealth Omicron as a result, even though PCR tests would still come up positive for COVID-19 and show all three target genes like they did before Omicron surfaced. There are two FAQs, one designed to answerpatientsquestions (PDF), and another to addressphysiciansCOVID-19 vaccine questions (PDF). In just roughly two months, this variant has taken over an estimated 99.9 percent of new cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What Are Dehydration Headaches? According to the infectious disease expert, this includes making sure you're fully vaccinated, getting your booster shot when you're eligible, and wearing a mask in indoor spaces. Despite it's foreboding name, experts are adamant that "stealth" Omicron infections can still be identified on both clinical PCR COVID-19 tests as well as home-based rapid result tests. In just roughly two months, this variant has taken over an estimated 99.9 percent of new cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's not to say that researchers won't notice a new trend or common thread between "stealth" Omicron infections that differ from Omicron infections now, Delta-linked infections or those earliest cases of COVID-19 in 2020. As far as new symptoms go, you don't have to worry much about stealth omicron. While . Infectious disease experts break it down. In this article. We're still recommending people get their primary series and their booster vaccines accordingly.. The two most reported symptom of patients infected by the Stealth Omicron variant is -dizziness and fatigue. "It does have increased transmission capability," Fauci saidSunday on ABC's "This Week." Our members are the frontline of patient care, expanding access to care for underserved patients and developing key prevention strategies. However, it still makes up a very small portion of COVID-19 cases in that countryand in the U.S. There is some suggestion that BA.1 may be a little bit more transmissible than Omicron but, at this point, it doesnt seem to cause any more or less severe disease, Dr. Russo says. If its a more minor shift in the genetic sequencing, then it becomes a subvariant, she said, noting that Omicron BA.1 was the major variant that supplanted Delta and that happened over the winter months. A government notice said that police permission would be required for people to leave the area or travel from one city to another. The content provided here and elsewhere on the Solv Health site or mobile app is provided for general informational purposes only. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spokesperson Kristen Nordlung told The Washington Post last week that currently, there are insufficient data to determine whether the BA.2 lineage is more transmissible or has a fitness advantage over the BA.1 lineage.. The BA.2 subvariant has been referred to as stealth Omicron because it contains genetic mutations that can make it harder to distinguish from the Delta variant using PCR tests compared to the original Omicron variant. Is it just going to be there at low levels causing a few cases or are we going to see an upsurge of cases over the next several weeks? Review CPT codes for COVID-19 vaccines and immunizations. Even though dizziness and fatigue are common everyday symptoms, one must keep an eye out for the persistence of the same. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom described the global situation as dangerous and precarious and called for a new agreement on the handling of pandemics, as the current system disincentivizes countries from alerting others to threats that will inevitably land on their shores. The NHS explained: "These may come and go throughout the day. Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. Copyright 1995 - 2023 American Medical Association. Remember, having COVID is often similar to having the flueven if you do not have severe disease or get admitted to a hospital, fighting a fever and other symptoms is not pleasant. But others caution against worrying over it too much. All Rights Reserved. According to the CDC, that variant accounts for 55.4% of COVID circulating in New England. But other common COVID-19 symptoms, like cough, fever . Council on Long Range Planning & Development, What doctors wish patients knew about long COVID, What doctors wish patients knew about COVID-19 vaccine boosters, COVID-19, strep, STDs and Marburg cases on the rise with Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, COVID-19, strep, STDs and Marburg cases on the rise with Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH [Podcast], XBB.1.5, new COVID-19 and flu at-home test, plus CDC shigellosis warning with Andrea Garcia, JD, MPH, PAs pushing to expand their scope of practice across the country, 10 keys M4s should follow to succeed during residency training, Training tomorrows doctors to put patients first. iPhone or Medical experts say the symptoms for BA.2 are similar to those seen in many COVID infections. When the Omicron subvariant BA.2 was first reported, the media dubbed it a "stealth" variant because it was hard to detect and track. The stealth Omicron variant has already made its way around several countries including Denmark, India, Sweden, and Singapore, according to Verywell Health. Scratchy throat Lower back pain Runny nose/congestion Headache Fatigue Sneezing Night sweats Body aches Topics Coronavirus YOU MIGHT LIKE .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}8 Surprising Benefits of Cycling, 12 Potential Arcturus COVID Symptoms to Know, The Reason Why You Buy Things When You're Drunk, Heres the Real Reason Why You Get Toe Cramps, How Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Actually Works. Additionally, the FDA recently approved a second booster shot for people who are above 65 or have compromised immunity.. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler. Many people who have Omicron say it feels like a common cold, and here are the 8 early warning signs you need to look out for. WHO, XBB.1.16 Initial Risk Assessment (April 17, 2023), XBB.1.5: A new Covid variant spreads across the US. Early symptoms include dizziness, fatigue One of the early-reported symptoms in patients affected by this variant are dizziness and extreme fatigue. But now, there is another concern on the horizon: the Omicron subvariant, BA.2. The highly transmissible and contagious BA.2 Omicron subvariantdubbed stealth Omicronis now the dominant strain in the United States, causing more than 85% of all COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But unlike the delta variant, many patients were not losing their taste or smell. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Dr. Rohatsch served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty teaching at the medical school and is currently on faculty at the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee teaching in the Executive MBA Program. Why Trust Us? Experts say you shouldnt stress about this variant. How to protect yourself. Data is extremely limited thus far on how this variant works to infect both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people, but CNN reports that leading virologists have indicated that early data suggests "stealth" Omicron isn't more infectious or deadlier than its earlier counterpart; just possibly more confusing for scientists to classify in a laboratory setting. One of . According to The Daily Express, there are seven symptoms U.K. researchers have already associated with the new stealth Omicron variant: fever, extreme fatigue, coughing, sore throat, sore. Issue briefs summarize key health policy issues by providing concise and digestible content for both relevant stakeholders and those who may know little about the topic. The stealth Omicron variant has already made its way around several countries including Denmark, India, Sweden, and Singapore, according to Verywell Health. The question I'm getting now is do we need a second booster? The top 5 symptoms in both periods were: runny nose. 2023 Galvanized Media. Patients, help us protect our high-risk patients - please wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 exposure. told Fortune in May that symptoms of the new subvariants are similar to typical Omicron . The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. sore throat. It seems that these mutations will propel the transmissibility to about a 30% to 50% higher degree of contagiousness than the BA.1 variant," said Dr. Gregory Huhn, an infectious disease physician and the COVID-19 vaccine coordinator for Cook County Health. And alongside its similarly rapid spread, this subvariant has been dubbed the "stealth" Omicron variant by many scientists because it is actually harder to detect than Omicron. Data suggests the vaccines are protective against BA.1 and BA.2. Dr. Rohatsch says, If you are up to date with your vaccines, including the bivalent booster released last Fall, you do not need an additional shot right now. "So this is the same virus, so SARS Coronavirus 2, so we're seeing the same symptoms," he said. Among individuals who had received at least one dose of vaccine, the most common symptoms were sneezing, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and headache, they found. Symptoms of infection don't appear to be any different so far from the original omicron strain. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms detailed on the list above in any sequence, combination or severity, your best bet is to seek out a COVID-19 test to ensure you are healthy. Therefore, various cases of Stealth Omicron lead to stomach issues instead of. Its really hitting people at the prime of their life and people who never were hospitalized for COVID that just cant shake the symptoms that go on and on.. "I have not seen anything to indicate that the symptoms with BA.2 are different from BA.1," Dr. Edwards says. daily newsletter. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); If this bothers you for a couple of days or more, then one should consult a doctor. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. One of the common symptoms of Stealth Omicron - much like the original variant - is vertigo or dizziness. AMA members can get $1,000 off any Volvo pure electric, plug-in hybrid or mild hybrid model. This new iteration of the fast-spreading variant has been gaining a foothold in several counties since Jan. 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The BA.2 has been sometimes dubbed a stealth variant because it is missing key mutations in its spike protein that are necessary for rapid PCR tests to distinguish it from previous variants, such as Delta. The AMA Update covers a range of health care topics affecting the lives of physicians and patients. Typically the conjunctivitis is associated with other COVID symptoms as well, and does not present alone. Dr. Adalja agrees. Apply for a leadership position by submitting the required documentation by the deadline. Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. A research year during medical school affords students more time to follow their scholarly pursuits. Your session has expired, please login again. What will happen with this in the next few weeks? The Omicron variant quickly took over as the primary driver of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. soon after it was named a variant of concern in late November by the World Health Organization. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. However, fortunately this variant is not more virulent in terms of causing more severe disease, she said. For more up-to-date information, sign up for our The results of the tests can be inaccurate because the virus cannot be detected in the nose or mouth. RELATED: This One Symptom Could Be Your First Sign of Omicron, Doctors Warn. There is a possibility that healthcare providers will uncover a new trend for this particular "stealth" variant in the future but it remains true that anyone impacted by COVID-19 may be impacted by any one of the following symptoms reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Dr. Edwards adds that it is too early to tell anything about the mortality rate and hospitalization rate around this particular variant, nor if it particularly impacts a certain subset of the population more frequently. Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Meaning, you shouldn't expect a brand new symptom to appear if you happen to be impacted by "stealth" Omicron specifically largely, the side effects of . With the rolling back of mask requirements and physical distancing, many people have been on a search for a new normal. Sure, this is a small percentage of cases. "I would also predict that there would be significant protection with BA.2 if you had BA.1. With the BA.2 variant, sometimes called "stealth Omicron," driving a surge of cases in Europe, people are eager to distinguish the symptoms of Omicron from those of other coronavirus variants . The stealth Omicron variant could cause a number of symptoms. New studies are showing that its symptoms are generally the same as other variants and remain mostly mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, especially if vaccinated. And as regions all across the country begin to ease the few mask mandates that remain, we can understand why this new development may cause concern. For some people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in a couple weeks.