Recent studies suggest that BA.2 has a. This matches a recent study led by Oxford University and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), using data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey produced by the latter. You have rejected additional cookies. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately.. What are the different symptoms doctors are seeing with omicron BA.2 What are the five main Omicron symptoms? - Open Access Government Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second or booster jab without delay. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to further investigate variants that are growing within the UK. Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said: We are continuing our efforts to understand the effect of this variant on transmissibility, severe disease, mortality, antibody response and vaccine efficacy. XBB (V-22OCT-02) is a recombinant lineage derived from 2 previous Omicron sublineages. As the coronavirus continues to evolve, a new highly contagious Omicron variant is appearing in India and other nations, including the United States, experts say.. A further 16 cases have been identified in Scotland, bringing the total in Scotland to 29. Our data shows that LFD tests are similarly able to detect COVID-19 in individuals who have been exposed to Omicron as in those exposed to previous variants. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: These early estimates should be treated with caution but they indicate that a few months after the second jab, there is a greater risk of catching the Omicron variant compared to Delta strain. The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is fast becoming the dominant strain of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to previous strains of the virus. 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. One case is located in Camden, London, and one case is located in Wandsworth, London. BA.2 is found to be able to alarmingly reinfect patients originally infected by Omicron BA.1. The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. These early findings should be interpreted with caution as transmission data and dynamics can fluctuate, meaning that early findings can change quickly when new variants are identified. 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. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. The Delta variant sub-lineage known as Delta AY.4.2 was designated a variant under investigation (VUI) by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 20 October 2021 and has been given the official name VUI-21OCT-01. What we know is that it is certainly growing as a proportion of overall cases in the UK. However, confidence levels for severity indicators for children are low because further analysis is required to compare the risk of hospitalisation between Omicron and Delta, and to assess the clinical nature of illness in children. None of these cases are known to have been hospitalised or died. 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. The proportion of test results displaying SGTF has been very low in recent months but an increase has been observed in the past week. Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to peoples health. UKHSAs most recent variant technical briefing can be found on GOV.UK. People aged 75 and over remain at particular risk of severe disease if they are not up to date with their vaccinations. Although hospitalisations and deaths remain low, cases are still high in some areas and some age groups so its important that we continue to act cautiously as restrictions are lifted. Thats why its so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published variant technical briefing 24. Omicron BA.2: What we know about the Covid sub-variant 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. Omicron BA.2 Variant Symptoms, Severity, Precautions, Mutation How are Covid rules changing across UK schools? For some more vulnerable a third dose is available. The individual tested positive after travel to the UK and is linked to travel to Southern Africa. Runny or congested nose Feeling fatigued Headache New, continuous cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Muscle or body aches New loss of a sense of taste or smell Sore throat Nausea or vomiting Diarrhoea They advise that if you develop one or more of these symptoms you should take a Covid test as soon as possible. Whilst Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are in the early stages of growth in the UK, analysis of the available data suggests that they are likely to have a growth advantage over the currently-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. The designation was made on the basis of increasing numbers of BA.2 sequences identified both domestically and internationally. However, some experts believe that BA.2 doesn't present symptoms different from the original Omicron. The first sequences were submitted from the Philippines, and most samples have been uploaded from Denmark (6,411). Fatigue. Covid 4th wave: New BA.2 variant can impact stomach and intestine, say These are some of the symptoms that you should be looking out for: High temperature. Wear a mask in crowded places, including public transport and shops, to ensure we all help break the chains of transmission and slow the spread of this new variant. An individual with Omicron is estimated to be between 31 and 45% less likely to attend A&E compared to Delta, and 50 to 70% less likely to be admitted to hospital. An estimated 78.7% of confirmed cases in England are BA.5 which was first identified in April and was designated as a Variant of Concern on 18 May. BA.2 Symptoms Usually Appear in This Order - Yahoo! 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. Neither have currently been designated as variants of concern. The population rate of people becoming infected with Omicron after having previously contracted COVID-19 has increased sharply. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 29. As of May 2022, BA.2.12.1 was spreading in the US and two new subvariants of Omicron named BA.4 and BA.5, first detected in January 2022, spread in South Africa. We urge these people in particular to get up-to-date. Analysis by the UKHSA suggests it could be substantial, although there is a risk of over-estimating growth advantage in the early stages. The following are the symptoms of this subvariant: The most common symptom is a sore throat that causes dryness, itching, and pain in the throat Low-grade fever Runny nose Sneezing Mild to moderate fatigue Headache Vaccination remains our best defence against future COVID-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible. 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. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 75 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 29 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. Covid BA.2 Omicron variant: The key symptoms to look out for BA.2, also known as "stealth omicron," is considered a subvariant of omicron. If you develop any symptoms, isolate immediately and get a PCR test. Omicron Subvariant - BA.2.75 | Narayana Health Delta remains the predominant variantin England, accounting for over 99% of all COVID-19 cases. In the most recent week of data (specimen dates from 30 November 2021 reported as of 6 December), the number of cases with SGTF has increased to 705. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. Night sweats Scratchy throat Dry cough Mild muscle aches In data published by the UKHSA on January 14, they found that NHS test and trace data revealed a loss of smell or taste was reported less. BA.2 continues to demonstrate a substantial growth advantage. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. 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. Take a vaccine to protect yourself against COVID-19. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. 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. Where individuals are identified as being a possible or probable case, their close contacts will be contacted and advised to isolate for 10 days and to take a test. Data for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is not included in the UKHSA Technical Briefing. As we cautiously return to Plan A, I encourage you to give yourself and your loved ones the best protection possible and Get Boosted Now. So how worried should we be about this emerging variant? UKHSAis carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. They could be strangers (for example people you sit next to on public transport) or people you may have regular contact with (for example friends and work colleagues). The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. 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. Where variant information was available, the majority of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from 24 November 2021 to 19 January 2022 had Delta infections. Omicron sublineages BQ.1 and XBB have been given UKHSA variant designations to facilitate continued studies. Symptoms of BA.2 appear to largely mirror those of the original version of the omicron variant: an upper respiratory illness that causes sore throat, cough, congestion, headache and fatigue. 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). The individuals and their households have been told to self-isolate. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 8 further cases of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in England, in addition to the previous 5 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529. Omicron and its Subvariants: A Guide to What We Know Taste Lost is one of the Omicron BA2 Symptoms. 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. 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. We have now identified cases in the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and North West. 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. 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. BA.3 shares most of its mutations with BA.1 and BA.2 except for one. In India, BA.2 is rapidly replacing the Delta and Omicron BA.1 variants of Covid, BA.2 was first detected in the Philippines, About half of new cases in Denmark are caused by BA.2, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant. Ongoing analysis by UKHSA has found no evidence that infection with Omicron BA.2 results in a greater risk of hospitalisation, compared to Omicron BA.1. The v 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. Following the first 2 confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 on 27 November, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified one further case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with B.1.1.529 in the UK. As always, the booster vaccine remains the best protection against infection. Follow the latest self-isolation rules if you develop symptoms wear a mask where required to do so, take regular LFD tests and observe good hand hygiene. Please also make sure to follow all Government guidance to reduce the spread of infection. Coronavirus: There's a third variant of Omicron 'BA.3'; all about the BA2 Variant is overtaking Delta and Omicron Cases at rapid speed. After 2 doses, vaccine effectiveness was 9% and 13% respectively for BA.1 and BA.2, after 25+ weeks. Until the week beginning 23 November 2021, the weekly count of cases with SGTF was routinely less than 150, making up less than 0.1% of all cases. UKHSA is updating its variant classification system to give a clearer indication of which variants have significant changes compared to the current dominant variant. UKHSAs latest National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report indicates that the increase in COVID-19 case rates and hospitalisations continues to show signs of slowing. Of 5,153 individuals identified with an Omicron infection between 1 November and 11 December 2021, 305 were linked to a previous confirmed infection and had an interval from the previous positive test of 90 days or more. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 13. Dont include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. What to know about omicron BA.2 variant symptoms - NBC News As of 30 November 2021, there are 22 confirmed cases of Omicron (B.1.1.529), identified through sequencing or genotyping in England. When combined with VE against symptomatic disease, the reduced risk of hospitalisation climbed to 92% 2 to 4 weeks after a third dose of the vaccine, down to 83% after 10 weeks or more. While on one hand, this statement gives a ray of hope that BA.2 sub variant of Omicron which was thought to be severe is mild as the BA.1 subvariant is, but on the other hand with the report of . UKHSAis acting to get scientific information available as quickly as possible in order to inform the right balance of interventions to prevent transmission and protect lives. In the UK, 38 cases of XF have been identified, though none have been seen since mid February. UKHSA is monitoring the situation closely, in partnership with scientific and public health organisations across the world. The newest COVID variant taking the world by storm is Omicron's stealthy sub-variant BA.2, and it seems to have brought on a new barrage of gastrointestinal symptoms with it. The BA.2 subvariant of the COVID-19 virus is now the dominant coronavirus strain in the world, and while health officials are saying the subvariant acts like the original omicron version of the . That's because there could be cross-immunity - an infection with BA.1 could offer some protection against BA.2. We have seen a rise in hospital admissions in line with community infections but vaccinations are continuing to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels. Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. Now more countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, are reporting an increase in cases driven by BA.2. Covid BA.2 Omicron variant: The key symptoms to look out for News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Currently, approximately half of all tests conducted in the UK are able to detect SGTF. UKHSA continues to examine all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. Neither have been designated as variants of concern by UKHSA. Hospital admissions are increasing, and we cannot risk the NHS being overwhelmed. You can change your cookie settings at any time. In severe cases, the SpO2 Level may also decrease. The assessment suggests that Omicron is displaying a significant growth advantage over Delta, meaning that it is likely to outcompete Delta in the UK and become the dominant variant. This edition includes an update on the current circulating lineages, including several cases of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 which have been detected in the UK.