Health
How Long Do Symptoms Last? When Should You Test? A Covid Timeline.
The extremely contagious subvariant of Omicron, often called BA.2, has prompted concern amongst well being officers because it turns into the dominant model of the coronavirus all over the world. To this point, indicators counsel that BA.2 is 30 to 80 % extra transmissible than the unique model of Omicron, and instances are already going up in a number of states throughout the USA.
Whereas we now have instruments to organize for a spike in instances — vaccination, frequent testing, high-quality masks and social distancing — consultants fear that the general public’s capability to maintain up with precautionary measures is waning. And it could actually nonetheless be complicated to know what to anticipate with a Covid an infection. When do you’ll want to take a look at? How lengthy will your an infection final? Like earlier coronavirus variants, BA.2 will be wildly unpredictable in its timeline and vary of signs.
To make issues even trickier, you gained’t know for certain in the event you’re coping with BA.2 or the unique Omicron subvariant. “It’s not one thing that’s reported clinically,” stated Dr. Stuart Ray, an infectious illnesses specialist at Johns Hopkins College College of Medication in Baltimore. However no matter which subvariant you’ve, you’ll be able to apply the identical plan of action, Dr. Ray stated. You must mark your calendar and take a look at on the first signal of sickness, observe your oxygen ranges with a pulse oximeter and be looking out for indicators that your an infection is turning into extra severe, like problem respiratory or chest pains.
Early proof signifies that BA.2 doesn’t make folks extra sick than the earlier model of Omicron, which itself was much less extreme than the Delta variant. However each affected person is totally different, Dr. Ray stated, and whereas most have delicate sickness and get well in a couple of week, it’s potential to get actually sick from BA.2. Like the unique, BA.2 is adept at sneaking previous immune defenses, even in case you are vaccinated and boosted.
Right here’s what you’ll want to know at each stage of an an infection.
When — and the way usually — to take a Covid-19 take a look at
Just like the earlier Omicron variant, BA.2 strikes quick and individuals who do develop signs, could begin feeling sick two to 3 days after an publicity to the coronavirus, stated Aubree Gordon, an epidemiologist on the College of Michigan. Among the early signs could also be similar to a chilly or flu, and embrace a sore throat, nasal congestion, cough or fever. Some folks additionally report a lack of style or odor, muscle aches, complications, gastrointestinal points and pores and skin rashes. “I might positively take a look at as quickly as I had any signs,” Dr. Gordon stated.
If you happen to use a house take a look at and get a unfavourable outcome, it is best to proceed taking precautions and take a look at once more 24 to 48 hours later, Dr. Gordon stated. It might be that the virus merely hasn’t ramped as much as ranges detectable on a speedy take a look at but. If signs persist and you continue to take a look at unfavourable at dwelling a number of days later, you could wish to get a lab-based P.C.R. take a look at, which is extra delicate at detecting traces of the coronavirus.
Even in the event you’re already vaccinated and boosted, your protecting antibodies can wane over time, making you susceptible to an an infection. The Meals and Drug Administration has licensed second boosters for older adults and people with underlying medical situations that put them at excessive threat for extreme illness. And whereas a latest bout with Omicron could present some immunity, it’s potential to be reinfected with the brand new model.
Testing optimistic on a speedy antigen take a look at can present vital details about if you’re contagious to others. If you happen to’re at excessive threat, it’s additionally crucial to check and seek the advice of with a health care provider early in the middle of sickness with the intention to be eligible for antiviral tablets or monoclonal antibody remedy, which have to be taken inside 5 days of symptom onset.
How lengthy it would take to get well
Whereas early Covid-19 signs stay fairly comparable throughout totally different variants, what has modified is the course of sickness, in response to Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of infectious illness at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Middle. Some sufferers by no means develop greater than delicate signs, whereas others see their fever or different signs begin to enhance about 5 to 6 days after they first get sick, he stated. The interval between days 5 and 10 is crucial when you’ve Covid-19 as a result of some folks could expertise a flip for the more severe proper round then.
“The principle motive that individuals are hospitalized is shortness of breath and low oxygen within the blood,” Dr. Gulick stated. If you happen to discover both of those signs, particularly a couple of week after you get sick, search medical care instantly.
Happily, folks contaminated with Omicron are much less prone to want hospitalization than in earlier coronavirus waves, Dr. Gulick stated. “If somebody is hospitalized, we’re seeing that they are usually hospitalized with milder sickness and keep fewer days within the hospital,” he stated. “And likewise the danger of development whereas within the hospital is decrease in comparison with earlier variants.”
That being stated, Dr. Gulick reiterated that top threat sufferers seek the advice of with their supplier early on after testing optimistic, earlier than they develop any problem respiratory, as a result of they are able to take drugs to stop the development of signs.
After every week, a small subset of individuals may take flip for the more severe regardless of feeling like their signs have been clearing up. Researchers have discovered that this second part of sickness is considerably distinctive to Covid-19, stated Dr. Chaz Langelier, an professional on respiratory infections on the College of California at San Francisco. Within the first part of sickness, your physique is actively dueling with excessive ranges of virus and you could get a fever — an outward symptom that your immune system is mounting a giant battle. Individuals who expertise a second part of Covid-19 now not have virus of their physique, however their immune response has created a domino impact of irritation of their lungs and the harm could result in outward indicators of maximum fatigue, chest ache, shortness of breath or blue finger suggestions or lips.
The second part of sickness has grow to be much less widespread with Omicron and the BA.2 subvariant, Dr. Langelier stated. Due to the immunity from vaccines and boosters, in addition to earlier infections, most individuals are in a position to ramp up an immune response to the virus with out wreaking later havoc on the remainder of the physique. This mix of earlier immunity and milder subvariants implies that most individuals ought to totally get well from their coronavirus an infection in two weeks.
When it’s protected to exit and be with different folks
If you happen to don’t have signs any extra or have been fever-free for twenty-four hours and different indicators of your sickness have been persistently enhancing, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention says that you could depart isolation after 5 days. However it is best to preserve sporting a masks round others for a further 5 days.
The caveat is that this recommendation relies on older coronavirus variants . And a few researchers fear that it might result in folks ending isolation too early. Information from the unique Omicron variant means that as many as half of Covid-19 sufferers will nonetheless be doubtlessly infectious on day 5.
Dr. Gordon and different consultants suggest “testing out” of your sickness to be on the protected aspect. “Strive testing on day 5, and in the event you’re nonetheless optimistic then wait and take a look at at day seven once more,” Dr. Gordon stated. Fast dwelling exams correspond fairly effectively to when your viral load is excessive and if you’re really contagious.
When you get a unfavourable speedy take a look at and also you meet the C.D.C. standards of lowering signs, you’ll be able to contemplate your self within the clear, although it might nonetheless be a good suggestion to take it straightforward when returning to your regular exercise ranges.
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As Los Angeles battles the worst wildfires in the city’s history, thousands of people have been displaced or have seen their homes burn to the ground.
Around 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate and some 10,000 structures were destroyed, according to the Associated Press. At least 10 people have died as a result of the blazes.
The devastation of the fires has undoubtedly taken a grave toll on the psyches of those affected, experts agree.
STEVE GUTTENBERG CALLS LA WILDFIRES ‘GREAT EQUALIZER,’ URGES PEOPLE TO LEAN ON ONE ANOTHER
Fox News Digital spoke with celebrities and mental health experts, who offered the following guidance for the people impacted.
Recognize your feelings
For those who have experienced a loss from the fires, common reactions include shock, disbelief and confusion, according to David Kessler, a grief counselor in Los Angeles and founder of Grief.com.
“I call it grief brain,” he told Fox News Digital.
Luke Dexter reacts as he sifts through the remains of his father’s fire-ravaged beachfront property in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire on Jan. 10, 2025 in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/John Locher) (AP Newsroom)
“Your mind is trying to comprehend what happened, and it’s a hard thing for it to do, because this is unimaginable that your house, your safety, is suddenly gone.”
Not all grief is related to death, Kessler noted, as there are many different types of losses.
“I always say grief is a change you didn’t want — and certainly a fire is a change we didn’t want,” he added.
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It’s important to “self-validate” the reality of the loss, he said.
“People might give you toxic positivity of, ‘well, at least no one died,’” he said. “And while that’s true, the reality is you still have lost your home. Don’t let anyone minimize that.”
“The loss of a home is devastating and it can take years to recover.”
“I think we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where fires erupted on Tuesday, shared how the disaster has impacted his own mental health.
“I’ve seen so much tragedy the last three or four days that I’ve got to be careful to … keep a hold of my mind,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“And I think that we’re going to deal with a lot of depression after this, a lot of sadness. And it’s going to be really tough because this is like nothing you’ve ever seen.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where fires erupted on Tuesday, shared how the disaster has impacted his own mental health. (AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images; Fox News)
Gutenberg noted that while it’s “very normal” to be down, he is trying not to let himself “go down that hole.”
“But I’m pretty sad about this,” he added.
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Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., noted that the grief following the Los Angeles fires is “profound.”
“It’s not just about the physical loss of homes or belongings — it’s also about the sense of safety and normalcy that has been lost,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s important for people to feel emotions and not ignore them. This is a normal reaction to such overwhelming loss and tragedy.”
Reach out for support
Guttenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with others and drawing support from the community during a disaster of this magnitude.
“We’re social animals — we need people,” he said. “So I’m reaching out to my friends. There’s no way to meet right now because it’s so dangerous — so the best thing you cn do … is call and reach out and maybe you can drive somewhere.”
Experts agreed that it’s essential to avoid isolating yourself after a loss. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us.” (AP Newsroom)
Most of the people in town have evacuated, he pointed out. “There’s probably 10% of the population left here. Or less.”
Kessler reiterated that connection is critical after this type of trauma. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us. People equal safety,” he said.
“We need other people around us. People equal safety.”
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, agreed that it’s essential to avoid isolating yourself after a loss.
“We need God and we need each other. Community is vital,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Family, friends and neighbors care about you. God sends His love through these people. Reject isolation. Don’t shut down and don’t shut people out.”
Take action
“In times of crisis such as this, regaining even small amounts of control can be grounding,” Alpert said.
He recommends creating a plan for what’s next, whether it’s finding temporary housing, accessing local resources or starting the process of rebuilding.
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
Ben Treger hugs his wife Sarah Treger after finding his grandfather’s watches at the remains of their Pacific Palisades home on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. “If you do have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” one expert advised. (Juan Carlo/Imagn)
Kessler agreed, noting that people who are in the area but did not experience loss may feel a sense of relief mixed with guilt.
“If you do have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” he advised.
In the longer term, advocacy efforts can be a powerful tool in dealing with trauma, Alpert noted.
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“Working to improve fire prevention policies, supporting relief efforts or helping neighbors rebuild can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment during this difficult time,” he said.
Some people may be angry about the systems that failed to prevent the fires in the first place, Alpert acknowledged, and this anger can be a “powerful motivator.”
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
“Use that energy to demand better, but don’t get stuck on the anger,” he advised.
“By holding leaders accountable for the policies — or lack thereof — that contributed to this devastation, and by asking the right questions and demanding answers, you might start to feel better.”
Seek professional help as needed
“The L.A. fires no doubt will not just leave physical scars, but deep emotional ones, too,” Alpert said.
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the fires don’t just disappear — they linger, creating flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.”
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during the fires don’t just disappear — they linger, creating flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.” (iStock)
In many cases, this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of this condition can include vivid memories of the fires, nightmares, hypervigilance or avoidance of anything that reminds someone of the event, Alpert said.
“It’s important to see this not as weakness, but rather, the mind’s and body’s way of trying to cope with extreme stress.”
“While the fires were devastating, they don’t diminish your strength or character.”
As you seek help, it’s also important to understand that PTSD doesn’t define you, he added.
“It’s a part of your experience, not your identity. While the fires were devastating, they didn’t diminish your strength or character.”
Lean on your faith
For those who have experienced traumatic grief, Kessler emphasized the importance of faith and spirituality.
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“They help ground us in a world full of fear,” he said. “And when we’ve lost everything, it can feel like our faith is the one thing we have to hold onto.”
During a time of crisis, Guttenberg said it’s important to “rely on anything that you believe in.”
Cesar Plaza becomes emotional while looking at his home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 9, 2025. “It’s easy to be consumed with what you no longer have,” a pastor told Fox News Digital. (AP Photo/Nic Coury) (AP Newsroom)
“If you believe in your mom and dad, you rely on them, your brothers and sisters, your friends, your family. God, the universe.”
Above all, he added, “Just remember, you’re not alone. God is always with you. Jesus is always with you. You’ve got to hang on to that.”
Find ways to exercise gratitude
During times of hardship, it’s important to recognize the good things that are still in your life, Pastor Bradley said.
“It’s easy to be consumed with what you no longer have,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“You need to be intentional to take inventory of the blessings in your life. For example, you might lose a home or business, but you still have family.”
This mindset will help you keep a healthy perspective and protect gratitude, Bradley added.
Health
Scientists May Be Able to Make Grapefruits Compatible With Medications They Currently Interfere With
You may be among the millions of people who have seen a surprisingly specific warning like this on the labels of drugs you take:
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication.
Such warnings are issued for dozens of substances, including docetaxel, a cancer drug; erythromycin, an antibiotic; and some statins, the cholesterol-lowering drugs prescribed to more than a third of American adults over 40.
The problem is a set of molecules, furanocoumarins. High levels of furanocoumarins interfere with human liver enzymes, among other processes. In their presence, medications can build up to unhealthy levels in the body. And grapefruits and some related citrus fruits are full of them.
But there is no such warning for other kinds of citrus, such as mandarins and other oranges. Citrus researchers at the Volcani Center in Israel reported Wednesday in the journal The New Phytologist that, by crossing mandarins and grapefruit, they’ve uncovered genes that produce furanocoumarins in some citrus fruits. It’s a finding that opens the possibility of creating grapefruit that doesn’t require a warning label.
Scientists had worked out the compounds’ structures and pieced together a basic flowchart of how they are made years ago, said Yoram Eyal, a professor at the Volcani Center. But the precise identities of enzymes catalyzing the process — the proteins that snip off a branch here, or add a piece there — remained mysterious. He and his colleagues knew that one way to identify them was to breed citrus high in furanocoumarins with those without. If the offspring of such a cross had varying levels of the substances, it should be possible, by digging into their genetics, to pinpoint the genes for the proteins.
“We were afraid to approach it, because it’s very time-consuming and it takes many years,” he said, noting how involved it can be to grow new trees from seeds and assess their genetics. “But finally, we decided we have to dive in.”
When they examined the offspring of a mandarin and a grapefruit, the researchers saw something remarkable. Fifty percent of the young plants had high levels of furanocourmains, and 50 percent had none. That particular signature meant something very specific, in terms of how the ability to make these substances is inherited.
“We saw there was only one gene that could have controlled it,” said Livnat Goldenberg, a Volcani Center researcher who is the lead author of the new study.
The researchers soon identified the gene controlling the production of furanocoumarins in leaves and fruit, which produces an enzyme called 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase, or 2OGD for short. Mandarins, it turns out, have a mutated form of this gene that keeps the enzyme from functioning properly. This version cropped up in all the mandarin and orange varieties the researchers checked, explaining why they do not cause the same problems as grapefruit in people taking prescription medications. In these plants, furanocoumarin production is paused.
With gene editing technology, it should be possible to alter the gene in grapefruit as well, Dr. Eyal suggests. The team at the Volcani Center is now exploring that project.
Looking at how widespread this mutated version is in mandarins and some other citrus, the scientists speculate that some gene nearby on the genome must play an important role in a highly prized trait. A long-ago citrus breeder, selecting for some unknown quality, must have unwittingly spread this furanocoumarin-busting version of the gene to an ancestor of modern varieties of mandarins and oranges.
All these years later, that person’s work is coming to light, under the gaze of geneticists, who may, someday, put grapefruit back on the menu.
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