Omicron COVID Symptoms Evolution 2022 - Runny Nose Now Top Symptom

The Evolving Symptoms of COVID-19 in the Omicron Era

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its third year, the virus behind the disease - SARS-CoV-2 - has undergone multiple mutations leading to new variants. Each variant has brought with it slight differences in transmissibility and disease severity. However, one of the most noticeable aspects that changes with each new variant is the set of symptoms commonly reported by those infected.

Recently, the wildly contagious Omicron variant has become the dominant strain around the world. As Omicron continues to evolve into different subvariants like BA.5, the symptoms most commonly experienced by those infected seem to be changing as well.

Most Common Symptoms According to Recent Data

In every stage of the pandemic, fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of smell have been considered hallmark COVID symptoms. While those associated with earlier dominant variants like Alpha and Delta seem to persist, data shows the most common symptoms tied to Omicron and its subvariants are notably different.

A 2022 study published in May and led by researchers at King’s College London analyzed self-reported data from the ZOE COVID Study app between December 2021 and January 2022. This period coincided with Omicron’s initial surge around the world. The analysis compared common Omicron symptoms to those most frequently reported during the Alpha and Delta waves.

The top 5 COVID symptoms reported by patients infected with Omicron include:

1. Sore throat
2. Runny nose
3. Headache
4. Fatigue
5. Sneezing

While fever and loss of smell once ranked highly on the list of typical COVID symptoms, the data showed both have become less common with Omicron. Researchers found only 52% of people experienced fever compared to 64% during periods when other variants were dominant. Loss of smell dropped substantially from 60% to just 13% during early Omicron infections.

Why Symptoms May Be Changing

Viruses constantly mutate creating different strains. While some mutations might allow a virus variant to spread more easily or improve its resistance to vaccines, many changes are meaningless duds. However, researchers have a few theories about why Omicron symptoms seem less severe.

The Omicron variant has around 50 genetic mutations not seen in the original COVID-19 strain. Some experts believe these mutations may enable Omicron to target upper respiratory cells more efficiently than cells deeper in the lungs. As the virus infiltrates and damages these upper airway cells, it leads to sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.

Other mutations may facilitate entry into the body's cells but hinder Omicron's overall ability to multiply once inside. This impaired viral replication likely reduces systemic impacts linked to fever, loss of smell, and more severe symptoms. However, more research is still needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Long COVID Implications

While Omicron may cause milder initial symptoms for many patients, experts warn this variant is no less of a threat especially for high-risk groups. Hospitalization and death rates for unvaccinated seniors infected with Omicron remain concerningly high.

Furthermore, emerging data around so-called "long COVID" - where symptoms persist for months or years after the active infection clears - remains similar between Delta and Omicron variants. Upwards of 30% of patients experience prolonged fatigue, brain fog, headaches, sleep disruption, heart palpitations, and other problems after COVID.

Given how exceptionally contagious the virus's latest forms are, long COVID may turn out to be Omicron's most damaging legacy. The sheer volume of total Omicron cases could spawn a significant wave of ongoing illness and disability despite the mutant strain's seemingly easygoing nature.

Adapting Health Messaging to Align with Omicron Symptoms

The WHO, CDC, and other health agencies are closely re-evaluating public health messaging tactics as reports accrue confirming Omicron's unique symptomatology profile. Continuing to focus predominantly on fever and cough as early warning signs for patients to begin isolating risks missing many Omicron cases when they are at their most infectious.

Emphasizing Congestion, Sore Throat, Headache

Moving forward, awareness campaigns will highlight symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and headache as additional indicators of a possible active COVID infection. Officials want the public, workplaces, and schools to appreciate Omicron often mimics cold-like or allergy symptoms rather than the flu.

Unlike earlier pandemic phases where loss of smell was a somewhat unique red flag, emerging Omicron symptom data shows far more overlap with benign colds and seasonal allergies. As such, officials emphasize anyone feeling under the weather should take precautions by wearing masks around others or avoiding high risk settings until they can test for COVID-19.

Testing Recommendations Updated

Health organizations also now strongly advise those with any signs of illness to undergo testing even without classic symptoms present. Widespread availability, greater accuracy, and the short window of infectiousness seen in many Omicron cases makes more liberal testing a prudent strategy.

However, as the virus and testing technology both continue advancing, keeping health recommendations aligned with the latest data remains an ongoing challenge. Experts caution past experience has taught us just when we think we understand COVID-19's patterns, new surprises around the corner are inevitable.

Yet while our collective hopes of a smooth and linear path out of the pandemic remain unrealized, better comprehending Omicron's unique characteristics will help public health authorities, clinicians, and communities continue our cautious transition toward the next normal.

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.