Emerging COVID Strains May Bring New Top Symptoms of Infection

Understanding New and Emerging COVID-19 Strains

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2023, the virus behind the disease continues to evolve. New viral variants or strains that emerge may cause differing sets of symptoms compared to earlier predominant versions.

Omicron Variants

The Omicron variant and its subvariants became dominant worldwide throughout much of 2022. Omicron strains tend to be more transmissible but generally cause less severe illness, especially in vaccinated individuals.

Experts expect Omicron sublineages like BQ.1 and XBB to drive new waves of infections. Their wide array of mutations allows for significant immune evasion from vaccination and prior infection.

Symptom Differences

Research indicates Omicron subvariants produce some differing top symptoms compared to ancestral COVID strains. Fewer patients suffer shortness of breath or lung-related symptoms.

Instead, sore or scratchy throats, nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing, and other upper respiratory tract signs emerge as predominant indicators of Omicron variant infections.

Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms

According to multiple large studies, typical COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Brain fog

Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are less common. Shortness of breath now ranks lower but remains a concerning indicator of progression to severe disease.

Breakthrough Infections

Vaccinated and boosted individuals may suffer milder cases with intense fatigue, headaches, sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose. Cough, fever, and loss of taste or smell are less frequent.

Unvaccinated individuals seem prone to classic COVID symptoms like high fevers, body aches, respiratory distress, and fatigue. They suffer longer lasting illness compared to inoculated patients.

BA.2.75.2 Omicron Subvariant

An emerging new Omicron offshoot dubbed BA.2.75.2 was detected in October 2022. This subvariant exhibits mutations enabling greater transmissibility and vaccine evasion.

BA.2.75.2 now causes rising case numbers across the US and other nations. Experts believe it may soon dominate alongside BQ.1 and BF.7 sublineages.

Possible Symptoms

As this subvariant remains relatively new, complete data on precise symptoms is pending. Researchers expect their symptom profile will align closely with earlier Omicron strains.

Typical signs of BA.2.75.2 infection likely include:

• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Fever
• Body aches

Milder breakthrough cases may ONLY exhibit cold-likerunny nose or sore throat. Only nasal swab testing can differentiate the two illnesses.

Serious Symptoms

All individuals with COVID should watch for emergency warning signs like:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent chest pain
• Inability staying awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds

These may indicate progression to severe COVID pneumonia, low oxygen levels, organ failure risk, or other dangerous complications.

XBB.1.5 Omicron Subvariant

XBB subvariants incorporate genetic data from two different Omicron strains. The XBB.1.5 offshoot has accumulated many spike protein mutations.

This enables its faster spread as antibodies from vaccines or past infection provide less protection. XBB.1.5 outbreaks now grow globally, responsible for 70% of cases in parts of the Northeast US.

Expected Symptoms

Given its Omicron origins, XBB.1.5 likely causes comparable signs of infection seen with other circulating family strains. Typical symptoms may include:

• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue

Mild breakthrough infections, especially post-bivalent booster, may only exhibit cold-like or allergy symptoms. Only testing can reliably distinguish between illnesses.

Severe Symptoms

Emergency care remains vital if anyone develops:

• Trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Chest pain
• Severe dizziness
• Disorientation or unresponsiveness

These warn of potential low oxygen, respiratory distress, organ impairment, or loss of consciousness - life-threatening complications needing immediate treatment.

Preventing Severe Illness

Vaccination and boosters continue offering optimal protection against acute sickness and lasting symptoms from emerging subvariants.

Staying up to date on recommended inoculations reduces risks of hospitalization or death by over 90% compared to unvaccinated individuals.

Continued vigilance with masks, improved ventilation, social distancing, and hand hygiene further limits transmission opportunities when case rates increase locally.

Those feeling ill should test and isolate appropriately while seeking care if worrying or worsening symptoms materialize.

Ongoing research strives to enhance treatments and next-generation vaccines to counter newer viral strains. Following public health measures remains key to restricting severe COVID illness moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.