Symptoms of the New COVID Variant

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, emerging subvariants can cause shifts in how people experience COVID-19. Understanding the new COVID variant symptoms helps you recognize infection early, seek appropriate care, and limit spread. Below is a clear, concise overview—based on recent clinical data and public health guidance—of what to watch for.

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1. Common Symptoms

Most people infected with the latest Omicron-derived subvariants (e.g., XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16 and others) report symptoms similar to earlier Omicron strains, but with subtle differences in frequency and severity. Key new COVID variant symptoms include:

• Runny nose or nasal congestion
  Often the very first sign. Many describe it as “just a cold” rather than classic COVID-19.
• Headache
  Usually moderate, but can feel pressure-like around the forehead or temples.
• Sore throat
  Mild to moderate scratchiness or pain when swallowing.
• Cough
  Dry or with minimal mucus; generally mild but persistent.
• Fatigue or malaise
  A feeling of being unusually tired or “slowed down,” sometimes even after a good night’s sleep.
• Sneezing
  Uncommon in earlier variants, now reported more frequently.
• Muscle or joint aches
  Mild body aches, sometimes described as “tension” in muscles.
• Head congestion or pressure
  Distinct from headache—more sinus-like fullness.

NOTE: Fever and loss of taste or smell have become less common compared to earlier waves, but they can still occur, especially in unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals.

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2. Less Common but Notable Symptoms

While many infections remain mild, these symptoms can occur in some people:

• Gastrointestinal upset
  Nausea, diarrhea or abdominal pain in a minority of cases.
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
  More likely in those with preexisting lung or heart conditions.
• Night sweats or chills
  A subset of patients report alternating hot and cold spells.
• Earache or tinnitus
  Rare, but reported in scattered case reports.
• Skin changes
  “COVID toes” or mild rashes—rare with new subvariants.

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3. How Symptoms Differ from Earlier Variants

According to Wang et al. (2022), Omicron and its sublineages tend to:

• Infect upper airways more than lungs, yielding milder respiratory distress.
• Have shorter incubation periods (2–4 days vs. 5–7 days previously).
• Cause fewer cases of severe pneumonia and hospitalization in vaccinated populations.
• Present with more cold-like features (runny nose, sneezing) than Alpha or Delta did.

This shift explains why many people today feel “like I’m coming down with a bad cold” rather than “I can’t breathe.”

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4. Who’s at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

Most healthy, vaccinated adults experience mild disease. However, watch closely if you or a loved one is:

• Over age 65
• Immunocompromised (e.g., organ transplant, chemotherapy)
• Unvaccinated or not up to date on boosters
• Living with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, severe obesity)
• Pregnant

In these groups, even mild symptoms can escalate, so early recognition and treatment are crucial.

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5. When to Seek Medical Attention

While most people recover at home, seek prompt care or call emergency services if you experience any of these serious warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
• Seizures or severe dizziness
• High fever unresponsive to over-the-counter medicines
• Severe abdominal pain or dehydration (in children or older adults)

If you have any potentially life-threatening symptoms, speak to a doctor or visit the nearest emergency department immediately.

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6. What to Do If You Develop Symptoms

1. Isolate promptly
   Stay away from household members, especially those at high risk.
2. Test yourself
   Use a rapid antigen test or arrange PCR testing as soon as symptoms appear.
3. Monitor symptoms daily
   Keep track of temperature, breathing difficulty, oxygen saturation (if you have a pulse oximeter), and overall energy levels.
4. Consider a free, online symptom check for COVID-19
   If you’re unsure whether your symptoms need medical attention, try this resource: free, online symptom check for COVID-19.
5. Stay hydrated and rest
   Drink plenty of fluids and sleep as much as your body needs.
6. Use over-the-counter remedies
   Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches; throat lozenges for sore throat.
7. Follow public health guidance
   Continue isolation for at least 5 days from symptom onset, and wear a mask around others until day 10 or until symptoms resolve.

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7. Prevention and Ongoing Protection

Even with vaccines and boosters, the virus continues to mutate. To reduce your risk:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and recommended boosters.
• Wear well-fitting masks in crowded indoor spaces or areas with high transmission.
• Improve ventilation at home or work (open windows, use HEPA filters).
• Practice good hand hygiene: wash with soap or use alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Consider testing before and after gatherings, especially if you’re at higher risk.

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8. Key Takeaways

• New COVID variant symptoms largely mimic a common cold: runny nose, headache, sore throat, cough, fatigue.
• Fever and loss of taste/smell are less frequent but can still occur.
• Most healthy, vaccinated individuals experience mild illness.
• High-risk groups need extra vigilance.
• Use rapid testing and isolation to curb spread.
• Seek medical care for any serious or life-threatening signs.
• Consider a free, online symptom check for COVID-19 to guide your next steps.

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Remember, while most infections are mild, COVID-19 can still be unpredictable. If you notice any alarming signs or simply feel that “something isn’t right,” don’t hesitate—speak to a doctor. Early intervention can make a big difference in outcomes.