Holiday season brought Thanksgiving festivities and Christmas parties galore, encouraging family and friends to come together and enjoy the start of Winter close together. Unfortunately, the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron has resulted in a torrent of COVID-19 cases worldwide. With numbers rising to their early-pandemic numbers and higher, fear of the unknown and the search for any method possible to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe is only natural. Omicron is no joke, but fear-mongering has clouded our ability to find real statistics and information on the most secure, realistic method to avoid infection. Here’s what you need to know about Omicron:
Is it worth getting vaccinated?
Let’s get straight to the point: even with the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot, it is still possible to get infected. However, not only is it less likely to get the virus if you are vaccinated, but it also significantly reduces your likelihood of hospitalization. According to UC Health, those with booster doses are 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized , and 7 times less likely to become infected with COVID-19 than those who have not received any vaccinations. While it does not make you immune, those who are vaccinated test positive at a very reduced rate compared to those who are not. Additionally, make sure to be extra careful even after you have gotten your booster, as it takes one to two weeks after receiving your shot for it to become effective.
How long should I stay quarantined if I become infected with COVID-19?
This answer varies heavily on whether or not you’re experiencing symptoms. CDC states those with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days after their positive test, and if they are either asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving, to continue by wearing a mask when around others for 5 days. This is due to findings that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.
So, what now?
Omicron, and COVID-19 entirely, is very real and very serious – there’s no sugarcoating that. We don’t need to be panicked, but we do need to remain vigilant. Wear your mask in public spaces or at large gatherings, regardless of your vaccination status, and if you feel any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested as soon as possible. Omicron does not have to be an unknown we fear, but instead something we can do our best to prevent getting and spreading.
Contact Us
UsagiMed is all about improving safety and reducing your con’s liability. Call on us so we can be your event partners. As you plan and prepare, we will answer any questions you may have about addictions, mental health, and creating a safe space for all your attendees, guests, and staff. Feel free to drop us a question and we will answer you.