In a sign of just how contagious the latest variants of COVID-19 are, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert, tested positive for the virus this week after avoiding infection for the entire pandemic so far. The 81-year-old Fauci, who is fully vaccinated and double boosted, is said to be experiencing mild symptoms and is working from home. Here's the latest on COVID symptoms, the signs you might have COVID like Dr. Fauci. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Cases of BA.4 and BA.5 Are Rising
Although it's unclear what variant of COVID Dr. Fauci contracted, experts have noted that two new subvariants of Omicron—BA.4 and BA.5—are spreading rapidly in the U.S. The CDC said Tuesday BA.4 and BA.5 now account for 21% of COVID cases nationwide. They are believed to be even more contagious than their highly transmissible predecessors and seem better at escaping protection from vaccines and previous infections, experts say.
The Most Recent COVID Symptoms
The symptoms of BA.4 and BA.5 aren't that different from previous COVID subvariants. They're mostly mild and are similar to a cold or allergies, including cough, fatigue, congestion or runny nose. According to anecdotal reports, more people are reporting headache-like symptoms than with other subvariants.
The Most Common COVID Symptoms
The CDC hasn't changed its list of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, which include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms, and even people with mild cases of COVID have gone on to develop "long COVID," symptoms that linger for weeks or months after an initial COVID infection.
If you test positive for COVID, the CDC says you should isolate for five full days, which can end if you're fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your other symptoms have improved.
How to Stay Safe Out There
Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
