Latest Data Omicron Variant | 155 comments (155 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (none / 1)

Calculating a CFR for a variant that has only been around for one mean time to death is certainly something.

Just because it came across my Twitter:

If anyone heard me in the media today (Dec 13), I would like to retract any comments that suggest Omicron may cause less severe disease. A lot still unknown right now and things look like they will be MUCH worse than I thought. Watch for more news in the next 24 hrs. 1/
— Jeff Kwong (@DrJeffKwong) December 13, 2021

I would expect we get some indication about severity this week or the next. Letting it run wild before we have anything is pure lunacy.

by generic on Tue Dec 14th, 2021 at 12:39:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (none / 1)

Many virologists write about their experiences. Due to early vaccinations and protection wearing down after six months, Israel, Hungary, the UK and Belgium started the third and booster shot on time. The Netherlands in a two year long laissez-faire policy started nearly three months later than Belgium and at a very slow pace. Appears the virus mutants travel faster across the globe than data and knowledge for politicians and even scientists. Seeing is believing.

Get your booster shot and be safe. I'll get mine next week.

In the meantime do not lower your guard!

6. Use #RapidTests if you must gather
7. But better not to gather if there will be vulnerable people present (if they have not yet received 3 doses)
8. Don't rely on vaccine certificates to keep you safe

Omicron requires that we go all-out on anti-coved measures.
3/3
— Jeff Kwong (@DrJeffKwong) December 13, 2021

'Sapere aude'

by Oui (Oui) on Tue Dec 14th, 2021 at 01:56:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (none / 1)

I've got mine as soon as Austria opened up for all age groups about three weeks ago. I've also been wearing a FFP2 equivalent in nearly all situations I was around people not in my immediate household and using a rapid test before going under people.
Talking about masks, I can recommend the 3M aura FFP2s. No glass fogging and they don't get vastly more uncomfortable after six hours of use.
Still would prefer if it wouldn't come down to personal paranoia.

by generic on Tue Dec 14th, 2021 at 03:04:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (4.00 / 2)

Short of biolab-grade PPE, the Auras seem to be the gold standard. I use the Aura FFP3s if I'm going to be spending time among the public. A lot of FFP3s are really FFP2s at best, which are fine for relatively short exposure but not for a full working day.

Lateral/rapid tests have a lag of a day or so during which you can be infectious but the test isn't sensitive enough to show it. The best option continues to be masking and distancing. And full avoidance if possible.

by ThatBritGuy (thatbritguy (at) googlemail.com) on Wed Dec 15th, 2021 at 09:40:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (none / 0)

I'm not sure that FFP3s are strictly necessary. As far as I'm aware they use FFP2s in hospitals down here, though hospitals of course have much better ventilation than you're likely to encounter anywhere else. Nonetheless, I'm probably also going to switch to the FFP3 version once I'm through my current reserves.

by generic on Wed Dec 15th, 2021 at 10:44:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: South Africa Latest On Omicron (none / 0)

BOOSTER NEWS

People aged 30 and over in England can book a COVID-19 booster vaccine from tomorrow.

Boosters are absolutely crucial to topping up your immunity against Omicron, so please take up the offer ASAP. #getboosted [_link]
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) December 12, 2021

'Sapere aude'

by Oui (Oui) on Tue Dec 14th, 2021 at 02:00:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Latest Data Omicron Variant | 155 comments (155 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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