Covid: Deadly Omicron Should Not Be Called Mild, Warns WHO

[appalachiablue]

- BBC News, Jan. 6, 2022.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against describing the Omicron variant as mild, saying it is killing people across the world. Recent studies suggest that Omicron is less likely to make people seriously ill than previous Covid variants. But the record number of people catching it has left health systems under severe pressure, said WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

On Monday, the US recorded more than one million Covid cases in 24 hours.

The WHO - the UN's health agency - said the number of global cases has increased by 71% in the last week, and in the Americas by 100%. It said that among severe cases worldwide, 90% were unvaccinated. "While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild," Dr Tedros told a press conference on Thursday.

"Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people. "In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world." Omicron is highly contagious and can infect people even if they are fully vaccinated. However, vaccines are still pivotal as they help protect against severe disease that could put you in hospital.

- Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care - Omicron wave appears milder, but concern remains.

On Thursday, the UK reported 179,756 cases and 231 Covid-related deaths. A number of hospitals have declared "critical" incidents due to staff absence and rising pressures due to Covid. Elsewhere, hospital numbers are also rising. France's health minister Olivier Veran warned this week that January would be tough for hospitals. He added that Omicron patients were taking up "conventional" beds in hospitals while Delta was putting a strain on ICU departments. France on Thursday reported 261,000 cases... More, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59901547
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- 'Covid: Vaccines for all every four to six months not needed, says expert', BBC, Jan. 4, 2022,
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59865108

Vaccinating everyone on the planet against Covid-19 regularly is not sustainable or affordable, a UK vaccine scientist has said. Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, who helped develop the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, said the most at risk should be identified and prioritised instead. He said the vaccine rollout had gone "extremely well" in the UK but other parts of the world were falling behind. Booster jabs have been offered to all eligible adults in the UK.

There has been a surge of Omicron cases in the UK, with a record 218,724 cases reported on Tuesday. However, this figure includes a backlog of two days worth of cases from Wales and four days of cases from Northern Ireland, due to the holiday weekend...

[dugog55]

1. Unfortunately, I think the Biden Administration and the CDC are doing a disservice to the nation

by soft selling the Omicron variant. It was first reported weeks ago that 70% of new cases were Omicron, now just recently they have dropped that to 40% or less. And it is not "milder" as is being sold to the public. If you get a break through case you will probably get sick but have milder symptoms. If you are not vaxxed, you got Covid and are going to pay for it. My son has been a Veterinarian for 12 years and studied epidemiology to get his PhD. to become a wild life. He is currently the State Vet for Montana. He reads all the time and is keeping abreast of what is happening.

He has explained to our whole family that because a person can get re-infected with Covid regardless of your vax status, it is very important not to ever get it. There is no herd immunity with Sars-Covid. Each time you get the virus it compounds your health issues. As a blood borne virus it gets into and attacks all your organs, not just your lungs. Most importantly is the damage it does to your heart and brain. Both of which most people need, although there are large number of people that do not use the latter very often.

Long term effects of Covid are still an unknown, but some experts have said that ten to fifteen years down the road there is going to be a flood of health issues from people that had Covid, mild case or not. Also, Covid is not going anywhere soon. This problem may be around for years, maybe even decades. Just like colds, which Covid is somewhat similar to, you can get multiple colds a year and as everyone knows, you can get them every year of your life.

To be blunt, get vaxxed and boosted, mask up, stay away from crowds and act like your life depends on it, because it does. Yes, this is a shitty way to live, but, here we are. Best wishes to all DUers here.

[appalachiablue]

2. There's a lot to consider, esp. long term unknowns

as you point out. Interesting post, thanks. The severity may vary according to individual factors in people, the variant involved and treatment, but time will tell about the full impacts of infection and breakthough reinfection. Or, to put it another way, Covid is Covid.

Along with the recent rollout to send home test kits to Americans, why weren't Quality MASKS and N95 Respirators which we've had large supplies of for months also mailed to households? Bernie Sanders and other legislators have been advocating this for some time and for good reason.

Providing 4 masks to start with would familiarize people with the type and purpose, a very positive step in the effort to stop Covid spread and sickness. The mask mailing should include a clear, basic factsheet to inform and educate people about the types of approved masks and their function; counterfeits; CDC guidelines; and where to purchase quality masks, both in retail stores and online.

In the last several months the *CVS and *Walgreen stores where I've shopped all carry ample hand sanitizer, alcohol disinfectant, Pulse Oxymeters, and recently, Covid Home Test Kits. *But I've Never seen any N95 Niosh Masks or Respirators, only some flimsy, colorful cloth masks and neck gators displayed on racks. Not good.