What are variants?

Viruses are always changing (mutating) and new variants (or strains) of a virus are expected. The best way to slow the emergence of new variants is to reduce the spread of infection by taking measures to protect yourself, including getting vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking emerging variants.

The Delta variant, classified by the CDC as a variant of concern, is more than twice as contagious as previous variants, and some data suggests it might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated persons.

On Nov. 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, named Omicron, as a variant of concern and on Nov. 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a variant of concern. The CDC issued a statement Dec. 1, 2021 confirming the first case of the Omicron variant in the United States.

Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with COVID-19 may not have symptoms, but they can still spread it to other people. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Follow CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation if:

• You are sick with COVID-19.
• You believe you might have COVID-19.
• You are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.
• You have been exposed to COVID-19, unless you are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, or if you are up-to-date on your vaccination schedule but are now showing symptoms of the virus.

It has never been easier or faster to get tested for COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, you should get tested. Learn more about how and when to get tested.

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing; persistent pain or pressure in the chest; new confusion; inability to wake or stay awake; or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

How can I protect myself and others?

Vaccines are the best protection from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States are remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. While a small proportion of people who are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations become infected and experience illness, if you are not vaccinated, your risk of severe illness and death is much higher. Nearly all cases of severe disease, hospitalization, and death continue to occur among those not yet vaccinated. Vaccines save lives.

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are some common-sense measures everyone can take to protect themselves and others from the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.

Take steps to protect yourself and others, including practicing the 3 Ws – wear a mask, wash hands frequently, and wait 6 feet from others.

To maximize protection from the Omicron variant and prevent possibly spreading the virus to others, wear a mask in all indoor public spaces if you are in areas of high or substantial levels of transmission as defined by the CDC until more people are vaccinated and viral transmission decreases. As of early February, all of North Carolina is seeing high levels of transmission. In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings but consider doing so in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Both the vaccinated and unvaccinated should monitor their health and be alert for COVID-19 symptoms, especially if they have been around someone who is sick. Get tested if you develop symptoms.