The BA.2 COVID-19 variant, a subvariant of the omicron variant, can manifest different symptoms than the original strains, according to reports.
KREM 2 News reported health officials were seeing two additional symptoms with BA.2 – dizziness and fatigue. The symptoms come along with those reported by omicron patients such as sneezing, coughing and sore throat, along with other cold-like symptoms.
BA.2 – known as the “stealth” omicron for its ability to evade some tests – is believed to be about 30% more transmissible than the original variant but does not appear to be more severe. BA.2 has been blamed for a growing number of cases internationally but is not widespread in the U.S. despite being reported in all 50 states.
In the U.S., BA.2 caused about 4% of COVID cases for the week ending Feb. 19. And while getting BA.2 after infection from the original omicron strain (also known as BA.1) is possible, research indicates an earlier omicron infection seems to provide strong protection.
The Centers for Disease Control continues to recommend vaccinations as the best tool to fight COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccinations are available for those 5 years and older with boosters for people ages 12 and older.