CINCINNATI (WKRC) — The newest subvariants of omicron appear to be presenting with three early symptoms. These can be very misleading when it comes to what you need for diagnosis and proper treatment.
They’re not all the same, but a few symptoms do stand out with these newer omicron variants that lead you to mistake them for allergies.
It’s all because the new BA.2.12.1 variant may be triggering mild breakthrough infections that bring on much of what you notice when you get a whiff of something like this:
“You may notice there’s new plants blooming,” said Julie Wolf, a nurse practitioner at HealthPoint Family Care. “We’ve had a lot of rain. Both of these things really kick up a lot of allergens for people, so we’re seeing a lot of symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing.”
Those same initial symptoms are now linked to these breakthrough omicron subvariant infections instead of a fever and cough, which may come later.
“We’re seeing more of the sore throat and the sinuses,” said Dr. Justin Coby, a pharmacist and director of Cedar Care Village Pharmacy.
Coby said the only way you’re going to know if you should get the new antiviral pills or other treatment for COVID-19 is to test for it.
“If they are positive, I’m saying, 'Hey, get a call into your doctor, have them send over a script for the antivirals and let’s get you started,'” said Dr. Coby.
This confusion is one of the reasons the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now cleared a newer type of over-the-counter test unlike any other. It uses a nasal swab sample, which can test for COVID, flu and RSV. It can be purchased online or over-the-counter.
The hope is you don’t mistake COVID-19 for allergies or anything else. Otherwise, the nation’s top doctor says people won’t get the right treatment or future prevention.
“We still have a lot to do with regard to vaccinations, with regard to boosters, with regard to making it very clear that we have antivirals available for people, especially those who are at high risk," Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
You can now also get another round of at-home tests through the postal service.