New COVID Variants Present Different Symptoms, Study Finds

(TNS) — Since its inception, COVID-19 has presented a variety of symptoms, ranging from cold and flu symptoms to the loss of smell and taste.

The latest variants of COVID-19 are presenting with different symptoms and now, researchers are seeing some changes based on vaccination status, according to the ZOE Health Study, a research project by Massachusetts General Hospital, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, King’s College London, Stanford University School of Medicine and health app ZOE.

Overall, similar COVID symptoms were being reported by both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. However, fewer symptoms were reported over a shorter period of time by those who already had a jab, something ZOE researchers said suggests they were falling less seriously ill and getting better quicker.

BA.5 is the most prominent strain in the U.S., followed by BA.4.6, BQ.1.1, and BQ.1. Delta and earlier omicron variants such as the BA.1.1. and BA.2 are no longer being detected, The Hill reported.

Here is current ranking of most common COVID symptoms after 2 vaccinations:

1. Sore throat
2. Runny nose
3. Blocked nose
4. Persistent cough
5. Headache

The traditional symptoms — loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath and fever — rank down on the list at 6, 29 and 8, respectively.

On an interesting note, researchers said people who have been vaccinated and then test positive for COVID-19 were more likely to report sneezing as symptom compared to the unvaccinated.

COVID symptoms with one vaccine dose:

1. Headache
2. Runny nose
3. Sore throat
4. Sneezing
5. Persistent cough

COVID symptoms for unvaccinated:

1. Headache
2. Sore throat
3. Runny nose
4. Fever
5. Persistent cough

Loss of smell comes in at number 9 and shortness of breath was listed at number 30, ZOE reported.

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