How to have a safe Christmas with a winter COVID surge
With COVID surging and an Omicron wave imminent, here's some ideas on how to stay safe!
As I mentioned earlier today in my TikTok video, the Omicron variant is spreading like wildfire through the UK, the US and worldwide. The UK is reporting a doubling of cases every few days. They had ~5,500 Omicron cases yesterday, and added an additional ~4,700 TODAY. The UK also posted a record high of daily positive cases today (78,000+), more than ever before in the pandemic.
In the US, the CDC estimated the prevalence of Omicron to be up to 3%, from 0.4% last week. On top of a rapidly spreading Omicron variant in the US, the Delta variant continues to be dominant variant, and causing a majority of cases and hospitalizations.
Clearly, Omicron is going to be a problem. The sheer rapidity of its spread means that gatherings and parties are prime locations for super-spreader events, even among the vaccinated. Now, before you panic, remember, if you are fully vaccinated and boosted and get infected with Omicron, you are likely to only have a mild illness, based on the data we are seeing so far. Overall, Omicron may only cause a mild illness, but that really remains to be seen and we will learn more over the next few weeks. But based on the science and data so far, the most vulnerable to Omicron will be those unvaccinated, and perhaps those who are vaccinated but still exposed due to immunocompromising conditions, underlying conditions, or older age.
Do not forget that the Delta variant remains the major threat at this point. >95% of cases are the Delta variant in the US at this time (this will likely change over the next few weeks). So you have to consider both Delta and Omicron. It’s going to be a tough winter.
What does this mean for your Christmas and holidays?
You may be wondering, what does this mean for your Christmas plans? Here’s what I think:
The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated + boosted, wear a mask when in crowded spaces, and socially distance. Really the things you are probably already doing. Now, regarding parties and meeting family, I think it comes down to a personal risk calculation and it’s different for everyone. I’m not saying to lock down and cancel Christmas altogether. You got vaccinated to live your life, and you still should.
Assess your own individual situation and see what the risk is to you and your family. Having a small gathering with fully vaccinated family only (+- friends), with everyone having a negative test prior to meeting, may minimize the risk. It’s not zero risk, but low risk, and probably lowest risk.
Hanging out with unvaccinated friends/family, or being in large parties obviously elevates that risk, and I would be mindful, even if I were fully vaccinated. Any kind of travel (think interstate travel) adds to that risk.
Having a susceptible person or close contact in your family or friend group, such as an unvaccinated child/adult, or those with cancer, immunocompromising conditions, and older age, etc, also elevates the risk, as it is possible that you may bring the virus home to your family and to them. I would personally avoid any exposure if I were in this situation, but that’s me, looking at my own personal situation.
This is a difficult and confusing time for many. The point of this post was to provide some guidance as to how to do a risk calculation and make the best decision for yourself and you family. Hope this helps!
How are you planning your holidays? Please share in the comments below!
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Great advice, thank you! I've been so concerned all week about this. I'm scheduled to host Christmas for my extended family (6 people total) but I'm not sure what to do at this point. We are all vaccinated + boosted (- one family member who refuses) HOWEVER, my parents and brother refuse to wear a mask when they leave their house for any reason, my father works in a clinic, they don't socially distance, and each have heart issues (one has CHF). My grandmother's are set to go to my Christmas party as well (they're in their 80s and 90s). Did I mention that we ALL live in Florida?? I'm honestly thinking of just giving them an ultimatum: either everyone takes a rapid test the day of the party before coming in or Christmas is cancelled... I hate that it's come down to this and I fully expect backlash from my parents who already argue with others about wearing a mask. But, am I wrong on this approach Dr. Siyab? Thanks for all you do!
Thank you so much! We are rethinking each plan we have for the holidays based on who we will be with, whether they were fully vaccinated etc. it’s disappointing as we had hoped for a better year but we don’t want to regret if anyone gets sick. I’m sorry you get so much push back from antivaxxers! I don’t know how you do it!