Since omicron was first detected just nine weeks ago, more than 80 million cases have been reported worldwide. Its speed of spread runs parallel to the spread of speculation about this variant of the Covid 19 virus. But compared to the myths, there are the facts
Test to detect the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 at the Bangalore train station (India). EFE/EPA/IDREES MOHAMMED
To remove them, who has tracked the most common media, social networks and internet searches and has confronted them with what is really known, and this is the result published by the United Nations newsletter:
Myth: All cases of omicron are mild
Fact: Omicron appears to be less severe than delta, but should not be considered mild
Several countries have shown that the severity of omicron infection in their populations has been less compared to delta. However, these studies have taken place, above all, in countries with high rates of vaccination.
It is too early to know what impact omicron will have in countries with the lowest vaccination rates and in the most vulnerable groups.
Myth: Because omicron is less severe, there will be fewer hospitalizations
Fact: Ómicron poses a high risk to health systems
Current data indicates that omicron spreads more easily than delta. Although it causes milder cases of COVID-19, and a lower percentage of patients end up in the hospital.
However, given the very high number of infections, this lower percentage represents a large number of hospitalizations.
This makes it more difficult for health systems to treat patients with both COVID-19 and other types of diseases.
Myth: Omicron is the same as a common cold
Fact: Omicron is much more dangerous than a common cold
Omicron is not like a common cold and is more likely to land you in the hospital. People infected with the omicron variant are being hospitalized and have died as a result.
In addition, people who get omicron and recover are also at risk of developing persistent Covid.
Myth: Vaccines don’t work against omicron
Fact: Vaccines offer the best available protection against omicron
LVaccines continue to protect against severe illness and death in cases of Covid caused by omicron, just as they do with the other variants in circulation.
So far, the comparatively lower rate of hospitalizations and deaths is due in large part to the fact that many people are already vaccinated.
Vaccination stimulates the body’s immune response against the virus, which not only protects us from currently circulating variants, but is also likely to protect us from becoming seriously ill from future mutations.
Myth: Unvaccinated people will not get seriously ill from omicron
Fact: Unvaccinated people are most at risk of contracting omicron
The vast majority of those hospitalized in countries where omicron has become the dominant variant are unvaccinated.
If steps are not taken to interrupt transmission, the omicron variant will spread with unprecedented speed and, as in the delta wave, unvaccinated people will be the most affected.
The main WHO recommendation is still to get vaccinated when it’s your turn, including a booster dose if offered.
Myth: If I have already had Covid, I have immunity against omicron
Fact: Ómicron can reinfect people who have previously had Covid-19
If you have had Covid before, you should still be vaccinated, as reinfection by omicron is still possible, with the risk of becoming seriously ill, transmitting the virus to other people, or developing persistent Covid.
Getting vaccinated, whether you’ve had it or not, is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting seriously ill and dying.
Myth: Booster doses are not effective in preventing serious illness with omicron
Fact: Booster doses are effective in increasing protection
The effectiveness of vaccines, like that of many other vaccines, such as the flu, declines over time, so it is important to get the booster dose.
This way you are more protected from developing a serious case of Covid.
This advice is especially important for groups at risk, such as those over 60 years of age and people with pre-existing health problems.
Health workers should also receive a booster vaccination due to their high risk of exposure to the virus and the danger of contagion to the vulnerable people they care for.
Myth: Being less severe omicron, we are approaching the end of the pandemic
Fact: The end of the pandemic is not yet in sight
It is important to recognize that we still have a long way to go to end the pandemic.
With the millions of infections that are taking place in the world, it is almost a fact that new variants will emerge.
In order to get out of the acute phase of the pandemic, it is essential to meet the objective set by the World Health Organization to vaccinate 70% of the population in all countries by the middle of this year and continue to take steps to reduce transmission.
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