The Omicron Variant and Holiday Planning collide as we approach Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Holiday Tips for travel and get-togethers are not new topics for blogs or magazines at this time of year. However, the Omicron variant reared its’ ugly head just as our Holiday planning began. Thus, the newest Covid-19 mutation requires added attention.
Will Holiday Travel Be the First Victim Claimed by the New Omiocron Variant?
The COVID-19 Booster Powers-Up Your Immune System. And It Fights New Variants Like the Omicron.
Willie Walsh is the director-general of the International Air Transport Association. He stated, “The emergence of the Omicron variant panicked many governments into once again restricting or entirely removing the freedom to travel”… And he added, “The presence of the new variant is already confirmed on all continents.”
As of this FLASS post, the Omicron variant has shown up in 25 states. Likewise, you might be re-thinking that Holiday trip to Europe, or even that cross-town gathering of your extended family clan.
Recently, it has felt like every day has brought new travel rules and social policies. And all of them have been intensified by the new version of Covid-19.
Omicron Variant and Your Holiday Plans
At FLASS, We can’t pretend we know all the answers. The truth is the research of the Omicron variant is ongoing. However, this blog is bringing you some basic facts about this more infectious but much-less-deadly version of Covid-19.
1. COVID-19 Variant: Best Protection
In the First Place, FLASS Agrees: Vaccines are Your Best Protection, Your First Line of Defense Against Omicron!
No matter what type of travel or gathering you are planning for the holidays, vaccination will protect you from a severe case of the new variant of Covid-19. Dr. Ashish Jha is the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. He states that if “you’ve gotten two shots or been previously infected [with COVID-19], you’ll probably end up having a much milder course…” Then he notes. “[With] a booster, you’ll do even better.”
The bad news behind this reality is that “If you have nothing, no vaccine, not previously infected, I’m not sure it will be a milder disease for you,” according to Dr. Jha.
Amazing Recent Research on the Omicron Variant
World-Wide Research on the Omicron Variant Continues. COVID-19 Booster Shots Protects Us Best Until More Results Are Available.
Last Wednesday, a Pfizer-BioNTech study revealed that vaccination with a booster furthers your protection against the Omicron Variant.
- On the one hand, the study proved that the Omicron variant could somewhat reduce the power of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
- However, on the other hand, the variant could not destroy the effectiveness or power of the vaccine. Thus, vaccinated patients suffer symptoms mild enough to avoid hospitalization.
- The same research also proved that a third dose offers patients even greater protection against the new variant of Covid-19. Thus, if you have received your two vaccine shots, as of 3 months ago, we highly recommend you get a booster shot. And more good news. You are eligible for the Pfizer booster if you are 16 years of age and older. You now qualify.
2. Welcome Back to Your Holiday Trip: Bon Voyage, But with Caution
After initial shock reactions to the discovery of the new variant, most American advisors have recommended you can take your holiday trip if you get vaccinated first.
Dr. Jha put it this way, “For most Americans if you’re fully vaccinated, especially if you’re boosted, I think travel is pretty reasonable, pretty safe.” He added that we should continue to wear masks on airplanes.
However, he gave holiday travel the green light again, after we all held out breath over bans and restrictions for the first two weeks of December.
3. Omicron Variant. Use COVID-19 Testing Before You Gather the Christmas Extended Family and Friends
You do not want to make friends and family sick, even if the new variant isn’t deadly. Therefore, the CDC advises us to get a Covid-19 test before we attend an indoor holiday gathering or travel.
Do a self-test before you visit. “Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19…” Get the information about the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 “before gathering indoors with others.”
It makes sense. Rapid testing can reassure you that you will not infect unvaccinated children and senior citizens who are more vulnerable to Covid-19.
4. Omicron Variant: When In Doubt, Mask Up!
Traveling During the Holidays? Be Wary in Unvaccinated Crowds. Mask Up.
Know the vaccination status at gatherings or simply wear a mask. For example, you might want to wear a mask at a large out-of-town party where you will be networking and meeting new friends. However, even Dr. Fauci agrees. It is safe to go maskless at small holiday gatherings where you know everyone attending is fully vaccinated.
He stated at a recent White House Press Conference, “When you are in a public congregate setting in which you do not know the status of the vaccination of the people involved, it is very prudent to wear a mask. And that’s what I do.”
He added, “Sure, when you’re eating and when you’re drinking, take the mask down…” However, you should “keep it on when you’re in an indoor congregate setting.”
Terrific Take-Aways from the Omicron Variant Basic Big Four Facts
Get the Vaccine Booster and Enjoy the Holidays.
Now, you know the basic, big four facts. They can help you cope with the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
And Happy Holidays from the Florida Lung, Asthma, and Sleep Specialists! As we have in previous years, we bring you our best wishes for Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa. We wish you wonderful life and breath.
At FLASS, there is nothing as simple, basic, and beautiful as a sweet, clear breath of air. Therefore, the Physicians and staff of FLASS wish you all the best gifts of the season.
May your breathing be deep and free for every day of the New Year. We hope your holidays will bring you peace, prosperity, and good health.
Happy Holidays to our friends, families, patients, caregivers, esteemed referring physicians, and blog readers.