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That's because there could be cross-immunity - an infection with BA.1 could offer some protection against BA.2. Self-reported long COVID after infection with the Omicron variant in 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. This paper can be found as a pre-print, and the data is referred to in the latest vaccine surveillance report. It is never too late to come forward for your first dose and its vital that everyone comes forward to get boosted now as we head into the new year. However, it remains too early to draw any definitive conclusions on hospital severity, and the increased transmissibility of Omicron and the rising cases in the over 60s population in England means it remains highly likely that there will be significant pressure on the NHS in coming weeks. 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 Omicron variant of Covid-19 includes the lineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.3 and B.1.1.529. Getting your booster jab remains the most effective way of protecting yourself and others from infection and severe disease. For some more vulnerable a third dose is available. 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 . The risk assessment conducted by UKHSA together with academic partners found that CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 are currently the variants most likely to take over from BQ.1 as the next dominant variant in the UK, unless further novel variants arise. 1. 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. 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 symptoms of omicron BA.2.75 are mostly flu-like and may last more than 4-5 days. UKHSA scientists are urging anyone who has not had all the vaccines they are eligible for to make sure that they get them as soon as possible. This new UKHSA data on Omicron is promising while 2 doses of the vaccine arent enough, we know boosters offer significant protection against the variant and early evidence suggests this strain may be less severe than Delta. Evidence continues to show that Omicron is transmitting more rapidly than the dominant Delta variant. As of January 10 2022, 53 sequences of the BA.2 sub-lineage of Omicron had been identified in the United Kingdom. UKHSA has also this week published further vaccine effectiveness data against hospitalisation following a booster dose. 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. Studies have already shown that this virus travels to different parts of the body, therefore gut-related issues are. BA.2 continues to demonstrate a substantial growth advantage. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest COVID-19 variant technical briefing. This is more promising data which reinforces just how important vaccines are. 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. What Is Your Risk of Getting the Omicron BA.2 Subvariant? - Healthline In some countries, BA.2 accounts for more than half of sequenced Omicron cases, it adds. Of these, 20 were in England, 3 in Scotland and 1 in Wales. BA.2 Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing The Most Right Now The Top Symptoms of the BA.2 Variant, According to Doctors - Parade We now know that BA.2 has an increased growth rate which can be seen in all regions in England. Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5 were designated as variants of concern on 18 May on the basis of an apparent growth advantage over the previously-dominant Omicron BA.2 variant. 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. Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant please get your first, second, third or booster jab without delay. While evidence is still emerging, so far it does not appear this variant causes more severe disease or renders the vaccines currently deployed any less effective. "It's important to know and recognize all of the. The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 29. This analysis is not an assessment of hospital severity, which will take further time to assess. Due to the early nature of the findings, all estimates are subject to significant uncertainty and are subject to change. New sub-lineages within Delta continue to be identified. 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). None of the cases to date is known to have been hospitalised or died. BA.2, also known as "stealth omicron," is considered a subvariant of omicron. However, cases of the variant continue to rise at an extraordinary rate already surpassing the record daily number in the pandemic. As of 20 December,132individuals with confirmed Omicron have been admitted to or transferred from emergency departments. However, with the spread of BA.4 and BA.5, that symptom seems to have returned, some doctors note. The latest data confirmed that among those who had received 2 doses of AstraZeneca, there was no effect against Omicron from 20 weeks after the second dose. The most important thing everyone can do now is to get any vaccine dose that you are eligible for it is by far the most effective action you can take to protect yourself, your families and your communities. UKHSA, in partnership with scientific bodies across the globe, is constantly monitoring the status of SARS-CoV-2 variants as they emerge and develop worldwide. Therefore, although early suggestions are that individuals may be less likely to require hospitalisation, many more people are likely to become infected. Omicron BA.2: The 'stealth' variant could cause more 'severe' disease #India is another country where #SARS_CoV_2 BA.2 is rapidly replacing #Delta & #Omicron BA.1. The sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in 57 countries now, the WHO says. What Is BA.2, the 'Stealth Omicron' Variant - Stealth Omicron Symptoms UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published variant technical briefing 24. Further studies are underway in the UK and abroad. As viruses mutate often and at random, it is not unusual for small numbers of cases to arise featuring new sets of mutations. 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. One of the most common symptoms of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 is nausea. It includes a complete list of studies planned and already under way into the emerging variant. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? 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 . So how worried should we be about this emerging variant? A growth rate potentially compatible with the eventual replacement of the current dominant variant. India is another country where BA.2 is rapidly replacing the Delta and Omicron BA.1 variant, according to molecular biologist Bijaya Dhakal. Here is what we know about it. Currently, approximately half of all tests conducted in the UK are able to detect SGTF. It is critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. Covid-19| 2 New Symptoms of Omicron Variant BA. 2 That Should Not be It is projected that if current trends continue unchanged, the UK will exceed one million infections a day by the end of this month. Over 40% of hospital admissions were in London. A preliminary assessment did not find evidence of a difference in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease for BA.2 compared to BA.1. Everyone should complete a primary course as soon as possible for most this will be a first and second dose. UKHSA is undertaking further detailed studies. These groups have been prioritised for booster doses since the start of the rollout in September to increase their protection. Early analyses suggest an increased growth rate compared to BA.1, however, growth rates have a low level of certainty early in the emergence of a variant and further analysis is needed. While signs remain encouraging on Omicrons severity compared with Delta, the high levels of community transmission continue and may cause pressures on health services. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against Omicron has again been updated in this weeks briefing. Aside from all of the usual COVID symptoms, like a dry cough, a scratchy throat, fatigue, and muscle aches, the Stealth variant is thought to cause a few other distinct issues. Even if a smaller proportion of these individuals require hospitalisation, these are still large numbers of people requiring hospital care and pressures on the NHS will increase. BA.2, also coined as the "stealth" variant, is a relative of Omicron's original variant, BA.1, which tore through the Australian community over Christmas and the New Year period. This suggests that, as immunity begins to wane, these newly emerging BA.2 variants may fuel future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection. . Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of the Beta-variant Recombinant The BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, or the "stealth" variant, has been outcompeting the previously dominant BA.1 subvariant in several countries. The individuals that have tested positive are not connected to each other and are not linked to the previously confirmed cases. UKHSA encourage everyone to continue to follow the most up-to date guidance. Technical Briefing 34 contains further analysis on symptom comparison on Omicron and Delta. Omicron BA2 symptoms include taste loss. Two-thirds with Omicron say they had Covid before. They are our best defence and we have turbocharged our rollout programme inviting 7 million more people over the age of 40 to get their booster jab so even more people get protection from this disease. In some places, growth in recorded cases of the sub-variant has been sharp. 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. 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. 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. 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. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.1.529 as a variant under investigation (VUI). It is already the dominant variant in several states and likely drove the country's recent third wave of infections. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published variant technical briefing 37. Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. What is Omicron sub-variant BA.2? All we know about the symptoms and We use some essential cookies to make this website work. UKHSA designated variant B.1.1.529 as a variant under investigation (VUI) on Thursday 25 November. Please make sure you follow all the available guidance. Our continued genomic surveillance allows us to further investigate variants that are growing within the UK. There is evidence that protection against symptomatic disease wanes after the second dose of vaccine, and then improves after the booster. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? UKHSA has also published a breakdown of confirmed Omicron cases and SGTF cases by local authority. 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. It is the best defence we have against this highly transmissible new variant. 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. Thats why its critical that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately. UKHSA analysis shows that the risk of hospital admission for an identified case with Omicron is reduced compared to a case of Delta. Covid BA.2 Omicron variant: The key symptoms to look out for The Delta variant, for example, comprises 200 different sub-variants. ; The incubation time (time to onset of symptoms) is a bit shorter: 3 days. The five most common symptoms of Omicron are: runny nose;. But at that point the sub-variant still appeared to account for less than one in 20 cases. BA.2.2 variant symptoms: What are the new COVID symptoms? - Deseret News As is routine for any new variants under investigation,UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the characteristics of this variant. How Long Do Omicron BA.2 Symptoms Last? - Verywell Health The total number of confirmed cases in England is now 104. 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 The updated risk assessment includes indicators for infection severity in both adults and children. But it is worth noting that Denmark has seen similar trends in terms of hospital admissions and intensive care as the UK has, suggesting BA.2 does not mark a sea-change in severity. 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. Wed like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. A thirddose was associated with a 68% (95% confidence interval 52 to 82%) reduced risk of hospitalisation when compared to similar unvaccinated individuals. But the preliminary assessment found no evidence that vaccines would be any less effective against symptomatic disease for either sub-variant. I urge you to come forward as soon as youre eligible to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We are continuing to monitor the data closely. In England, the infection rate increased in those aged 25 years to 49 years and those aged 70 years and over in the week ending 21 February 2023. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant - Wikipedia Please take up this offer as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities. 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. 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. BA.2 is believed to be far more contagious than the earlier Omicron strain, and was blamed for a fresh surge in Denmark. As is routine for any new variants under investigation, UKHSAis carrying out laboratory and epidemiological investigations to better understand the properties of this variant. The analysis looked at 581 people with confirmed Omicron. The omicron variant of the coronavirus was first detected in late 2021. Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Director of Clinical an Emerging Infection, said: We continue to monitor the emergence of new variants and give them variant designations if they are sufficiently distinct to warrant separate epidemiological and laboratory assessment. It is one for the scientists to watch, rather than for the public to be alarmed about at this stage. You have rejected additional cookies. This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we cannot yet confirm whether it has a true growth advantage. 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. Any variants showing evidence of spread are rapidly assessed. Omicron BA.2 (B.1.1.529.2): high potential to becoming the next Anyone who is contacted because of a link to a probable or possible Omicron case will be asked to take a PCR test, even if they have received a positive COVID-19PCRtestwithin the last 90 days. These are some of the symptoms that you should be looking out for: High temperature. It showed that the AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines provided much lower levels of protection against symptomatic infection compared to the protection that they provide against Delta. 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. 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. Read about our approach to external linking. 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). To date, there have been 426 cases of Omicron BA.2 confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), with the earliest dated 6 December 2021. Where individuals are identified as being a possible or probable case of Omicron, their close contacts will be contacted and advised they are required to isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or received a negative COVID-19 test result. 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. Since the middle of February, this growth rate has settled at approximately 75% higher than other circulating Omicron lineages in England. What are the symptoms of BA.2? You have accepted additional cookies. However, it is not confirmatory as there are a number of other reasons that a sample might exhibit SGTF. Many people who have Omicron say it feels like a common cold, and here are the 8 early warning signs you need to look out for. This new mutation dubbed BA.2.75 is concerning scientists because it appears to spread fast, bypassing the protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and immunity from previous infection, the Associated Press reported Monday. UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to be infectious. 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. 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. Fatigue. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published the latest variant technical briefing. Following the change in JCVI advice today, 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.2 variant: Everything we know about the new Covid strain - Metro The individual is no longer in the UK, but UKHSA is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive case visited when they were likely to have been infectious. This will include analysing live samples of the new variant in our laboratories to investigate properties such as response to current vaccines. In total, 40 countries have uploaded 8,040 BA.2 sequences to GISAID since 17 November 2021. Earlier COVID-19 variants affected the lung tissue more and had a higher likelihood of causing pneumonia and other severe outcomes. What are the five main Omicron symptoms? - Open Access Government One case is located in Camden, London, and one case is located in Wandsworth, London. Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: Todays new data shows how important booster jabs are to protect us against this variant. So, like the original omicron strain (BA.1), the primary symptoms of a mild BA.2 infection are a cough, fever, fatigue and possible loss of taste or smell. As of 18 July 2022, there were 24 cases of BA.2.75 in the UK. 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. Ba.2 Omicron Variant Symptoms - SymptomsTalk.net It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2: Symptoms, Differences, And Chances Of BA.2: A more contagious version of the Omicron variant has been Trends in SGTF over and time are however affected by the coverage of laboratories contributing to this surveillance data. The early observations for 2 doses of AstraZeneca are particularly likely to be unreliable as they are based on small numbers and are likely to reflect an older population and a population with more co-morbidities than those given the Pfizer vaccine. 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. XD has not been identified in the UK to date, though 49 cases have been reported to global databases, the majority of these are in France. People infected with Omicron are also less likely to experience fever or loss of taste and smell. 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. Analysis by the UKHSA suggests it could be substantial, although there is a risk of over-estimating growth advantage in the early stages. The BA.2 variant is a sibling of the BA.1, which swept across the country over Christmas. Whilst there are insufficient data to quantify either vaccine effectiveness or risk of reinfection in the UK exactly, the observed growth, case distribution and early analyses in both South Africa and the UK are consistent with some loss of immune protection against infection. The rapid spread of Omicron BA.2: What studies say - Medical News Today 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. 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. UKHSAs new analysis examines 3 recombinants, known as XF, XE, and XD. Omicron has a deletion atposition69/70of the spike proteinwhich allows it to be tracked through S gene target failure(SGTF)in some PCR tests. BA2 Variant is overtaking Delta and Omicron Cases at rapid speed. Delta and Omicron Cases are being eclipsed by BA2 Variant rapidly. As previously published, data continues to show vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation for Omicron remains high. The individuals who have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. As with other kinds of variant, most will die off relatively quickly. UKHSA is constantly monitoring the situation and working to understand the implications for public health. UKHSAreleases weekly updates on the number of confirmed new cases of variants of concern and variants under investigation identified in the UK. UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Susan Hopkins said: It is increasingly evident that Omicron is highly infectious and there is emerging laboratory and early clinical evidence to suggest that both vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity against infection is reduced for this variant. The public health advice is the same for all current variants. The B.1.1.529variant includes a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome. 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. However, one must note, these are only early stage symptoms. Updated Jan. 27, 2023 The omicron subvariant of COVID-19, BA.5, became one of the dominant strains of the virus in the fall of 2022 in the U.S. At that time, it was the most easily spread strain to date and is able to evade immunity from COVID infection and vaccination.