Based on home tests, the COVID BA.5 subvariant appears to be highly contagious. Common symptoms of the BA.5 variant include a runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat. Since the symptoms are similar to seasonal allergies, a COVID infection can be easily missed.
Read on for details to tell the difference between allergies and COVID.
Persistent Coughing
BA.5’s symptoms are upper respiratory infections like headaches, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, and persistent coughing. And although its symptoms are similar to BA.2 and BA.4, BA.5 is more transmissible as it appears to escape antibody defense from previous vaccines and infections.
Sore Throat and Hoarse Voice
According to experts, an intense burning throat and hoarse voice are two of the most commonly reported symptoms of the BA.5 variant. These symptoms were consistently more dominant among Omicron than Delta cases.
Fever
Fever is another common sign. If you have a fever, you should see a progressive improvement over three to five days. However, if your fever is persistent, you’re unable to drink or eat, or you experience breathing problems, arrange to be seen by a health professional.
Look After Yourself With a Healthy Lifestyle
The two symptoms that stand out the most for a BA.5 infection include an intense sore throat and a hoarse voice. To avoid being severely affected by COVID, work on building up your immune system to fight COVID infections and other viruses. Develop a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating and regular exercise. To help reduce transmission, if you feel sick, avoid people and those who are sick.
