OMICRON. The numbers from S. Africa indicate that it is spreading at a rate which surpasses the Delta variants’ rise by a significant amount, suggesting increased and faster transmission. It is now all over the world, definitively identified in at least 17 states in the US. It is still early in its appearance and we still need more time to learn, however so far it seems to be causing a more mild case of Covid-19.
But infection is infection, and if it is more transmissible, more people will get sick. The vulnerable will continue to suffer the most, vaccinated or not. In addition, as it spreads and continues to replicate, more mutations will continue to develop.
A common excuse people give me for not getting vaccinated is that not enough time has passed to determine if it is safe. Despite the fact that these vaccines started being developed more than 15 years ago. Despite the fact that nearly 8 billion doses have been given and there is a massive amount of efficacy and safety data. Despite the clear amount of disease and death this virus has already handed out. None of them can ever give me a logical response about how much time must pass or how much evidence must surface before they are convinced to get vaccinated. I think it’s just an excuse. None of them seem to be concerned about the rise in cases, hospitalization and deaths, not only worldwide, but here in the US as well, nor are they concerned that the vast majority of these serious cases are in the unvaccinated populations. When asked about transmitting it to others, most are unfazed. It’s sad.
An infectious disease specialist was interviewed about Covid-19 and was asked about making any kind of predictions about the course of this pandemic. The only prediction he could guarantee is that we will all be well versed in the Greek alphabet because there is no question that more variants will develop.
Please do your best to stay safe and continue to do all the things we know will slow down this virus:
VACCINATE. They are not perfect, but given everything we know so far, they are very, very effective and safe. Everything is about balance and the scale clearly tips towards getting vaccinated.
MASK. Again, not perfect, but they work when you wear a good one and wear it properly.
PRACTICE PRACTICAL HYGIENE. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face. Don’t overdo it on the hand sanitizer. Don’t read your cell phone while peeing in a public bathroom!! (I saw this last week and it is just gross).
DISTANCE and VENTILATE. Airflow disperses the virus. It’s all about the dose.
GET HEALTHY. I have seen a trend in the last few months of people starting to get healthier. More people are intentionally losing rather than gaining weight and more people are eating healthier (not necessarily vegan but certainly eating more plants and less processed foods and sugar) and are moving more. KEEP IT UP!
Stay safe and be well.
AC