Fatigue. Things you can choose to do are: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has elevated the classification of the COVID-19 variants Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5 to variants of concern (VOCs) on the basis of observed growth. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that if Omicron continues to grow at the present rate, the variantwill become the dominant strain, accounting for more than 50% of all COVID-19 infections in the UK by mid-December. UKHSA has also released a variant risk assessment for Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, summarising the emerging epidemiology and laboratory evidence. However, a small change may be enough to cause a difference in the virus properties in some circumstances. A growth rate potentially compatible with the eventual replacement of the current dominant variant. ; The incubation time (time to onset of symptoms) is a bit shorter: 3 days. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 13. The breakdown of cases by local authority is: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 9 further cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 13 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. It remains vital that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets aPCRtest immediately. A preliminary assessment by UKHSA did not find a difference in vaccine effectiveness, although it said there was no data yet available on severity. Among those who had received 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna, effectiveness dropped from around 65 to 70% down to around 10% by 20 weeks after the seconddose. Runny nose (especially in combination with loss of smell) A runny nose is a universal sign of cold, flu and now COVID-19. Teams nationally and locally are working at pace to identify and trace all close contacts of every Omicron case. Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. UKHSA Chief Executive, Jenny Harries said: I want to thank everyone who has been working globally and locally to help us act incredibly quickly in response to the Omicron variant. BA.2 has been under close . More detail will be available in UKHSAs regular variant technical briefings. This paper can be found as a pre-print, and the data is referred to in the latest vaccine surveillance report. Both have links to travel to Southern Africa. That contrasts to Denmark, where it has become dominant. Neither have been designated as variants of concern by UKHSA. Wear a mask in crowded spaces and, when meeting people indoors, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. It is vital that everyone over the age of 40 who is eligible for a booster jab comes forward as soon as possible to get increased protection against this new variant. The vaccination status was unknown for 6 people, while 8 had received a single dose. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released variant technical briefing 41. Continue to exercise caution. Neither BQ.1 nor XBB have been designated as variants of concern and UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, as always. Our data also show that 17.5 per cent of people aged 75 years and over have not had a vaccine within the past six months, putting them more at risk of severe disease. Following the change in Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice yesterday, a booster dose for everyone over 18 years is now recommended at a minimum of 3 months from your last primary course jab. This is consistent with analysis published yesterday by Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh. We constantly assess the genetic diversity within the known variants of concern (VOCs) to inform our ongoing public health response to the pandemic. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest COVID-19 variant technical briefing. These are potentially biologically significant mutations which may change the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility. We urge these people in particular to get up-to-date. 2 or Stealth Omicron causes. Technical Briefing 34 contains further analysis on symptom comparison on Omicron and Delta. The study also showed evidence to suggest that the BA.2 sub-variant is better able to evade vaccines. Current guidance from NHS England is that the main symptoms of Covid continue to be a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense. A recombinant variant occurs when an individual becomes infected with 2 or more variants at the same time, resulting in a mixing of their genetic material within the patients body. Working from home where possible, consistently wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, washing your hands regularly and isolating and getting tested if you feel unwell are also vitally important in reducing the impact of COVID-19 this winter. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for UKHSA, said: Ongoing variant analysis is an important part of our pandemic response. You have accepted additional cookies. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest Variant Technical Briefing. Previous updates were published by Public Health England. But the latest data suggests this extra protection starts to wane more rapidly, being about 15 to 25% lower from 10 weeks after the booster dose. More investigation is required to fully determine the extent of these mutations impact. In the UK, 38 cases of XF have been identified, though none have been seen since mid February. There are small numbers of cases in the UK and this designation is intended to allow investigation into the specific properties of this variant. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. UKHSA has updated its stay at home guidance and non-household contacts guidance to reflect changes to self-isolation requirements for contacts of people who have been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. It is very likely that we will find more cases over the coming days as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing. You have rejected additional cookies. With the original version of the omicron variant, which swept across the U.S. at a dizzying speed last winter, the loss of taste and smell was not as common as with the earlier alpha and delta variants. We expect the vaccines to show higher protection against the serious complications of COVID-19, so if you havent yet had your first 2 doses please book an appointment straight away. The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) COVID-19 variant technical briefing, published today, includes updated epidemiological analysis which indicates that Omicron BA.5 has, as expected, become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK. The Omicron variant sub-lineage known as BA.2 has been designated a variant under investigation ( VUI-22JAN-01) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Omicron BA.2.75, the variant derived from the BA.2 lineage which was identified internationally earlier this month, has now been categorised as a separate variant and given the designation V-22JUL-01. BA.2 variant symptoms: Spokane Regional Health District Health Officer Francisco Velazquez told KREM 2 News that the BA.2 variant of the omicron variant has some unique symptoms, too. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. There is no data to suggest that BA.2 leads to more severe disease than previous Omicron sub-variants. There is evidence that protection against symptomatic disease wanes after the second dose of vaccine, and then improves after the booster. It is testament to the diligence and scientific expertise of my colleagues at UKHSA, and the genomic sequencing capacity developed through the pandemic, that this new variant has been identified and analysed so quickly. Yet fears of another Omicron wave in the United States may be. As of 30 November 2021, there are 22 confirmed cases of Omicron (B.1.1.529), identified through sequencing or genotyping in England. B.1.1.529 has a large number of mutations in the gene coding for the spike protein, and also in other parts of the viral genome. As of 2 May 2022, 21 confirmed cases of Omicron BA.4 and 19 confirmed cases of Omicron BA.5 have been detected in England. In severe cases, the SpO2 Level may also decrease. There can be several reasons for growth advantage, but in the case of BA.4 and BA.5, laboratory data suggests a degree of immune escape which is likely to contribute. As of 17 May, 115 cases of BA.4 and 80 cases of BA.5 have been confirmed in England and the latest UKHSA variant technical briefing has been published today. It has been designated a "variant under investigation" by British health authorities, meaning they are keeping a close watch on it, but are not overly concerned by it. These groups have been prioritised for booster doses since the start of the rollout in September to increase their protection. Data continues to show COVID-19 poses a very low health risk to children and infants. Omicron BA.2 lacks the genetic deletion on the spike protein which produces S-gene target failure (SGTF) in some polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which has been used as a proxy for Omicron cases previously. Getting your booster jab remains the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from infection and severe disease. UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. Approximately half of PCR tests in the UK are able to detect SGTF. One of the most common symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 is nausea. The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. Take a vaccine to protect yourself against COVID-19. BA.2 is believed to be far more contagious than the earlier Omicron strain, and was blamed for a fresh surge in Denmark. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant. Read about our approach to external linking. BA.2, also known as "stealth omicron," is considered a subvariant of omicron. They say its possible that the virus has now changed its pattern and is affecting the stomach. We continue to urge everyone who is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Twoto4 weeks after a booster dose, vaccine effectiveness ranged from around 65 to 75%, dropping to 55 to 70% at 5 to 9 weeks and 40 to 50% from 10+ weeks after the booster. In addition, UKHSA has published data which shows the detection of cases exhibiting S-gene target failure (SGTF) in recent weeks across the country. This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. A study of 8,500 households and 18,000 individuals conducted by Denmark's SSI found that BA.2 was "substantially" more transmissible than BA.1. Omicron soon began branching off into a number of subvariants: BA.2 took off in the spring, and BA.5 came to dominate towards the end of the summer. Studiesof households and contactshave found that there is a higher risk of transmission to contacts from an Omicron case, when compared to Delta. It is still too early to determine next steps, so please stay cautious this Christmas and get your booster as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. It is also absolutely critical that we all do what we can to reduce transmission in the community so that we have time to administer as many booster doses as possible. "We must remain vigilant and take up vaccinations. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a new variant technical briefing containing an updated Omicron risk assessment, alongside analysis on vaccine efficacy, sub-lineages and symptoms. Omicron sublineages BQ.1 and XBB have been given UKHSA variant designations to facilitate continued studies. BA.2 has an increased growth rate compared to BA.1 in all regions of England where there are enough cases to assess it. This data shows that protection against severe illness from COVID-19 remains at over 90% in those aged 65 and over up to 14 weeks after a booster dose. Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA said: It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 7 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 22 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. The symptoms of omicron BA.2.75 are mostly flu-like and may last more than 4-5 days. Two major BA.2 variant symptoms include dizziness and fatigue, as I wrote for the Deseret News. There are insufficient severe cases of Omicronas yetto analyse vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation, but this is more likely to be sustained, particularly after a booster. Congestion. It is critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. Under the new system, the variant of concern (VOC) label will be assigned to variants which are currently emerging or circulating, and which the following characteristics can be confirmed or predicted: 1. 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. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: This latest set of analysis once again demonstrates that a booster dose of the vaccine provides you with significant protection against hospitalisation from Omicron. It appears to have a growth advantage compared to the version of Omicron, BA.1, that has swept the globe. The latest Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariant, which scientists have labeled BA.2.12.1, is on track to become the most virulent strain in the United States currently. A number of Omicron variants are currently circulating in England, many of which have acquired mutations which may produce a degree of immune escape. Stay at home if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever and limit contact with others until you are feeling better, particularly if they are likely to be at greater risk if they contract COVID-19. A booster dose for everyone over 18 years is now recommended and will be available at a minimum of 3 months from your last primary course jab. Its not too late to catch up if youve missed boosters, or even first doses so please take your recommended vaccines. It is also vital to continue with all the other precautions we have become used to throughout the pandemic keep indoor areas well ventilated, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and take a rapid lateral flow (or LFD) test before a situation where you may be at high risk of catching or passing on the virus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest variant technical briefing. Omicron BA.2 Variant Severity The variant technical briefing also includes updated analysis on Omicron BA.2, currently the dominant variant in the UK. Booster doses also increase the protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection which will reduce transmission in the population. UKHSA is gathering scientific information as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. The data once again shows that coming forward for your jab, particularly your third dose, is the best way of protecting yourself and others against infection and severe disease. BA.2 is estimated to account for approximately 93.7% of cases in England, with the highest prevalence in the South East (96.4%) and the lowest in the East Midlands (91.1%). However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. The risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 is greatest when someone who is infected is physically close to, or sharing an enclosed or poorly ventilated space with, other people. In some places, growth in recorded cases of the sub-variant has been sharp. One study has suggested that it may be difficult to identify this variant . But at that point the sub-variant still appeared to account for less than one in 20 cases. Based on the reports from doctors treating the Covid variant and patients battling. XBB.1.5 remains at very low prevalence in the UK, so estimates of growth are highly uncertain. BA.1 accounts for most of the cases. We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission. BA.2 omicron symptoms According to the CDC, the symptoms of Covid-19, including BA.2, are: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released variant technical briefing 50. So far, vaccination means that the rise in cases is not translating to a rise in severe illness and deaths. As we all work to limit the high levels of transmission of this variant over the Christmas period, we are urging people to test regularly, particularly before attending social gatherings. The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. Currently, the Omicron variant has BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, and B.1.1.529 sub-variants, of which the BA.1 was dominant a few months before, and scientists have recently warned about the BA.2 sub-variant . Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to detect them and assess whether they are significant. More evidence is needed to know whether this is due to changes in the virus behaviour or to epidemiological conditions. However, any stay in hospital for a child is too long if youre a parent and its important we all take precautions to avoid the spread of infection. This analysis found that the risk of presentation to emergency care or hospital admission with Omicron (testing for symptomatic or asymptomatic infection) was approximately half of that for Delta, while the risk of hospital admission alone with Omicron was approximately one-third of that for Delta. Genome sequencing among the states is not always fair. pic.twitter.com/ESQupxUet4. The analysis looked at 581 people with confirmed Omicron. Apart from dizziness and fatigue, some other signs of BA.2 Omicron Variants include: Fever and body aches Loss of taste Nausea or Vomiting Abdominal pain Fever Extreme fatigue Coughing Sore throat Muscular fatigue Elevated heart rate Breathless in severe cases readmore End of Story Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. The population rate of people becoming infected with Omicron after having previously contracted COVID-19 has increased sharply. As of 24 January 2022, 1,072 genomically confirmed cases of BA.2 have been identified in England and all assessments remain preliminary whilst case numbers are relatively low. There are also hybrid strains, such as XE, which is a combination of BA.1 and BA.2 By Alex Finnis The original Delta variant remains overwhelmingly dominant in the UK, making up approximately 99.8% of all cases. Work is underway to identify any links to travel. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. These people are spread around the country and are a mix of age ranges between 18 to 85 years the majority had received 2 doses of vaccination. A total 637 cases of XE a recombinant of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 have been confirmed in the UK so far. A further case has been identified in Scotland, bringing the total to 10. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Inthe SIREN study, a large cohort of healthcare workers are tested regularly by PCR to detect asymptomatic infection in addition to normal testing practices for symptomatic infection. BA.3 shares most of its mutations with BA.1 and BA.2 except for one. People suffering From the Omicron BA2 variant said they had fever and body Aches. The two most reported symptom of patients infected by the Stealth Omicron variant is -dizziness and fatigue. The latest number of COVID-19 cases with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England are published on UKHSAs social media channels. But the preliminary assessment found no evidence that vaccines would be any less effective against symptomatic disease for either sub-variant. By the summer of 2022, the BA.5 variant was the most dominant strain in the US. Currently there are 18 UK samples in GISAID, out of a global total of 1,086; 639 samples have been uploaded from Singapore, and it is thought that XBB may be a factor in the recent spike in cases there. For the first time, this data includes analysis on vaccine effectiveness 15+ weeks after the booster dose. However, increases in SGTF can give a useful early indication of variant spread. The proportion of test results displaying SGTF has been very low in recent months but an increase has been observed in the past week. The best way that you can protect yourself is to come forward for your first 2 doses of vaccine, or your booster jab and do everything you can to stop onward transmission of the infection. Headache. 2. Please take up this offer as soon as you are invited to protect yourself, your families and your communities. For example, there are still a small number of cases of other variants, such as Alpha, in the UK which would also result in S-gene dropout or there is a lower amount of virus present in the sample where S-gene dropout cannot be confirmed. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme, National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report, higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19, this data should be interpreted with caution, This assessment is based on analysis of UK data, data on Omicron cases is published regularly here, Six cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529, Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern: variant risk assessments, Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 variants: technical briefings, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government, let fresh air in if meeting others indoors, wear a face covering or a face mask, particularly if you are in crowded and enclosed spaces. Top of the list with a prevalence of 80. To date, there have been 426 cases of Omicron BA.2 confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), with the earliest dated 6 December 2021. BQ.1 (V-22OCT-01) is a BA.5 sub-lineage which has been designated on the basis of rapid growth. It is very likely that we will find more cases over the coming days as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant so please get your first, second, third or booster jab as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. A preliminary assessment did not find evidence of a difference in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease for BA.2 compared to BA.1. You will not always know whether someone you come into contact with is at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: We are learning to live with this virus and thanks to our world-leading surveillance system we can rapidly detect and carefully monitor any genetic changes to COVID-19. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities.