COVID update 12/23/2021
US reports 250,000 new cases today, higher than Delta variant peak; new vaccine data; Omicron "milder"?
Hi everyone,
The world of COVID moves rapidly, and there’s new information coming out by the hour. I’ve decided to post short daily updates on COVID that gives you the major news of the day.
250,000 daily COVID cases in the US.
Mind numbing news. The US reported 250,000 new COVID cases today. Wow. This is officially PAST the peak of Delta variant cases this past year (see screenshot below).
New York state reported 38,000 new cases. Florida has reported 33,000 new cases, which is a 400% increase since last week.
Vaccine effectiveness data
We also have more data on vaccine and booster effectiveness against Omicron. Data from the UK shows that Omicron has a greater ability than Delta to evade our vaccines. See graphic shared below by Dr. Topol. 2 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine had reduced effectiveness against Omicron, compared to Delta. A booster dose significantly elevates that protection, but that seems to be reduced several weeks after - now is that clinically relevant, we don’t know yet.
Translation: not enough evidence for a 4th booster shot YET. Just make sure you get your 2 doses, plus a booster if you are eligible.
On that note, I really do hope that the CDC/FDA can shorten the time needed before one is eligible for a booster (currently 6 months after 2 doses). It should really be 4-6 months. That would alleviate a lot of anxiety.
Omicron severity
There is some evidence now that Omicron may cause “milder” disease than Delta variant. Scientists from the UK and South Africa reported that Omicron may have a 50% reduced risk of hospitalization compared to Delta variant.
More research on this is still underway, but this is a good early sign that Omicron may be less severe. HOWEVER, “mild” is still subject to interpretation. What does that mean exactly? Mild enough not to cause severe illness? Milder but still bad enough to land people in the hospital? Remember that the variant may be 50% milder but if it causes millions of infections daily, there will still be a LOT of people ending up in the hospital. Do not take this lightly.
Moreover, Omicron is likely to be mild only for people that are vaccinated (and boosted if eligible). Unvaccinated people should still get vaccinated and not depend on apparent “milder illness.”
That’s it for now friends. Be back later with more. Stay safe!
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Thank you for all you do! It's awesome knowing that there is someone out there with real info in real time that I can trust. You are my go to for everything covid related.
My appointment for my COVID test isn't until next week but I think I somehow got covid. Body is aching, nose congested, underarms hurt. I'm double vaccinated with Pfizer AND received my booster shot late September. -.- Pretty annoyed