To understand where we are, and where we’re headed, it’s helpful to understand the science behind omicrons, and the speed at which we can expect answers.
But the genetic sequence is only the first step. As humans are well aware, our genetic sequence is not the only thing that determines how we look and how we act. So we need to do more work to find out
Answer For the questions that really matter about the Omicron version. It takes time and it is not easy.
The next big question we’re trying to answer is: How easily does this new version spread, or, in science parlance, how “transmissible” is it? Do the mutations actually help it “stick” to the airway more easily, or replicate more effectively?
This question matters because if a virus spreads easily, it makes more people sick – especially if they are unvaccinated, unmasked, or have weakened immunity. ,
it made the delta version so bad,
Detecting communicability in some ways seems easiest: we think
As it old school, gumshoe epidemiology, in which we approach contact trace, count the number of people who become ill and find out their characteristics, and then – as we accumulate cases – begin to estimate reproduction numbers. But, he
best guess Count on other things as well (such as social density), as well as our own behaviors (such as wearing a mask).
Scientists are working hard to obtain this information, but accurate data takes time, and we should expect that our estimates will continue to change. For now, we are looking at the speed of spread in South Africa and elsewhere to calculate the previous envelope estimate. It doesn’t look good. One
initial model It turns out that Omicron
Spreads twice as easily as compared to the delta version, This is why many of us scientists are warning people to put on masks in public and get our boosters. We want to stop the spread if the real numbers are closer to
initial calculation tips,
We also wanted to find out whether Omicron makes people sicker than the earlier variants. The answer to this question may not be found for months, because of the severity of the disease.
influenced by many things – Who is getting infected, how overwhelmed the local hospital system is, the prevalence of vaccinations and prior infections, and whether people with mild symptoms are being tested.
Six months after its discovery, we’re still
debate Does the delta version make people sick. But we obviously can’t wait months to decide what to do. So we’ll have to act “as is” for now. That’s why President Joe Biden announced
New measures on Thursday, including action to ensure that more American adults get their booster shots and more children ages 5 to 11 get the vaccine, expanding free at-home testing, and others. I hope more will come.
Which leads me to the biggest unanswered question that most of us have: how well do our COVID-19 vaccines protect us from omicrons. This answer will also change over time. Current analyzes are complicated by the fact that most people in southern Africa – where community spread has been identified – are
unvaccinatedThanks for continuing
apartheid vaccine, which describes the institutionalized racial segregation that has existed in South Africa for nearly 50 years. Therefore, resolving vaccine efficacy becomes more difficult. Unfortunately, this setting – where many have already been infected with other forms – also allows us to test whether the prior infection protects against the Omicron variant. till now,
Symptoms Can’t it be. In other words, get your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven’t already. And then get your booster, if you can.
So where does that leave all of us – including me – when we get ready for the holidays?
While we wait for the data, basic security measures are still your best bet. All signs point to the fact that the same old strategies (masks, rapid testing, ventilation and, of course, vaccines in public indoor spaces) are still most important in stopping the spread of this airborne virus. Plus, the delta version still represents 99.9% of daily cases in the US, and these safeguards work well to protect us from delta.
Additionally, if you live in an area of the world where vaccines are readily available, now is the time.
Get Booster – Any Booster — To increase your chances of fighting the new Omicron version.
If you’re fully vaccinated and planning a holiday trip, it’s too early to give definitive advice. I’m advising people to look into their options for canceling, but don’t put the kibosh at that family gathering just yet – assuming everyone has at least got their first series of vaccines.
Here is my final advice. None of us expect a return to the 2020-style lockdown. We have more to stop
Treatment Virus now. But join me – and with other scientists, doctors and public health professionals – as we do our best to walk the line between expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Advice may change, but we are doing our best as soon as possible.
After all, we were all looking forward to a more normal holiday season as well.
