12-18-2021, 03:33 AM
A UK study suggests that there's not much evidence Omicron results in less severe symptoms than Delta. It's less optimistic in that regard than the South African data.
It's true that it's a preliminary finding and we'll obtain more clarity as time goes on, but it's a big red flag.
Dr Robert Wachter, the Chair of the University of California Medical Department, notes that simple mathematics means that Omicron would have to be far milder than Delta to offset its greater transmissibility and immune evasion. He considers that the UK study suggests Omicron will cause havoc in the US hospital system as a result but notes that there's some evidence from South Africa that it may burn itself out after a couple of months. He advocates hunkering down while that happens and getting the booster to ensure one's immunity is as high as it can be. He says he'll be wearing N95 masks and avoiding indoor parties or restaurants when he can't be sure whether others are fully vaccinated (and in this regard he means not only having 2 doses but also the booster).
It's true that it's a preliminary finding and we'll obtain more clarity as time goes on, but it's a big red flag.
Dr Robert Wachter, the Chair of the University of California Medical Department, notes that simple mathematics means that Omicron would have to be far milder than Delta to offset its greater transmissibility and immune evasion. He considers that the UK study suggests Omicron will cause havoc in the US hospital system as a result but notes that there's some evidence from South Africa that it may burn itself out after a couple of months. He advocates hunkering down while that happens and getting the booster to ensure one's immunity is as high as it can be. He says he'll be wearing N95 masks and avoiding indoor parties or restaurants when he can't be sure whether others are fully vaccinated (and in this regard he means not only having 2 doses but also the booster).