I Stand Corrected – Omicron IS The Most Infectious Microbe Humanity Has Encountered
Even outspoken epidemiologists who have warned of pandemics for decades and have micro analyzed the one we are living through right now have been taken by surprise by the rate at which the Omicron variant has taken over as the dominant strain of Covid-19 worldwide.
In S. Africa, where it emerged, they went from a few hundred new cases of Covid a day, to over 13,000 in a mere few weeks. In the US, we went from identifying it in only a few states to just about everywhere in under a week. I don’t have today’s stats but a few days ago, it represented 75% of all new Covid cases. It is now in every country on the planet.
Why is it so contagious? The exact cause is not yet completely clear, but it is likely a combination of things including greater ACE-2 receptor binding capacity, increased replication within cells as well as a better ability to evade both our innate (built-in, non antibody) immune system as well as the adaptive (T and B Cell and antibody) immune system, acquired either by natural infection and/or vaccination.
Although Omicron still seems to cause less severe disease, this is also a significant contributor to it’s exponential spread. More people with mild to no symptoms are walking around, not aware they are infected, spreading it to everyone around them. Sicker people stay home and get tested earlier (and then hopefully isolate).
Do NOT be comforted by it’s apparent diminished severity. More infection still leads to more hospitalization and death. And YES, the vast majority of those with more significant illness are UNVACCINATED!
Lest you smarty pantses who got Covid “naturally” think you’re better off than those who got vaccinated, you’re wrong! Studies show that those who got Covid more than 6 months ago and did not get a vaccine afterwards, are 5x more likely to contract Covid AGAIN from Omicron than those who got infected and then followed up with a vaccine.
SOOOOOO, don’t be silly and lower your risks of getting significantly sick, or worse yet, sicken someone else, by getting vaccinated.
And keep in mind that 2 shots is NOT fully vaccinated if your second shot was more than 6 months ago. FULLY vaccinated means you also got the booster which dramatically increases levels of circulating antibodies and thus, protection.
Another interesting item I read yesterday was a study looking at non-Covid deaths and Covid vaccination. Accounting for every variable you can think of, not only did vaccination lower the risks of Covid deaths, but it also lowered the risks of all non-Covid related deaths. Things like heart attacks and strokes. Why this may be is not clear. It may have to do with the fact that those who want to get vaccinated probably do other things to be healthier also. Those who don’t get vaccinated are more likely to have other behaviors which put them at risk for not only Covid, but other diseases. I know this is a generalization but this was suggested by the paper.
On another note, Natalia and I did a taste test of some vegan perogies (Supreme Pierogies). Not exactly healthy food since they came from a factory with all kinds of oils, additives and preservatives… but they tasted really good. Especially slathered with slow cooked onions and some vegan, soy based sour cream. As someone who used to eat vats of sour cream before I started eating plant-based, I am a connoisseur and I can guarantee that you can’t taste the difference. I’m looking forward to the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve feeding frenzy with family. We are all vaccinated and boosted and we all plan to test today or tomorrow just to be on the safe side. Keep some windows open a crack for ventilation. That’s the way to do it.
Travel safely.
Gather safely.
Enjoy being with family and friends safely.
Stay safe and be well.
AC