omicron Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Covid Long Haulers News

COVID reinfections, sneezing hamsters and huge methane emissions

25Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

COVID reinfections, sneezing hamsters and huge methane emissions

It has been reported that after the emergence of the Omicron variant that the amount of reinfections has risen sharply. A genomic analysis of viral samples from pet hamsters makes experts believe that the Delta outbreak was caused by a pet store that carried SARS-CoV-2 into Hong Kong. Hamsters are highly susceptible to the virus and can easily transfer it to other rodents and humans. While recent studies support the idea that pet trading contributes greatly to the spread, it is still more likely to be passed from human to human. To read more, click here.

Wuhan market was epicentre of pandemic’s start, studies suggest

24Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Wuhan market was epicentre of pandemic’s start, studies suggest

There are a few different theories as to how the Covid-19 outbreak began, however, researchers agree that Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market of Wuhan, China is the original infection site. Researches speculated that various animal breeds that are used for food and fur may be the cause for the outbreak as they can carry coronavirus. Studies showed that animal swabs came back negative for the virus, but around 1,000 environmental samples from the stalls and other areas of the market tested positive. To learn more, click here.

The next variant: three key questions about what’s after Omicron

24Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

The next variant: three key questions about what’s after Omicron

Over the course of the pandemic, there have been several variants to arise. With this is mind, people are wondering when the next one will happen and how serious it will be. However, there is no way to know this information. When considering the history of past variants, it is predicted that new variants will arise every few months. Omicron caused much more mild symptoms when compared to other variants, but that doesn't mean it won't cause severe disease. It is unlikely that vaccines will completely protect from new variants. Omicron has several mutations, and the vaccine's protection is reported to be relatively high. To learn more, click here.

Omicron is fading, but nobody knows when the pandemic will finally end

20Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Omicron is fading, but nobody knows when the pandemic will finally end

United States health officials continue to reassure citizens that we are moving closer to a time where Covid-19 does not dominate our lives. Covid will never be eradicated, but the virus is no longer expected to keep pushing hospitals to their breaking point in the coming months. Infections have skyrocketed with the emergence of the omicron variant, however hospitalizations and deaths have not. This is a good sign. The term endemic refers to a disease that occurs at a regular and predictable level. Experts believe that this is the current stage we are in. To read more, click here.

How to fight the next new Covid variant after omicron? Plan for it now

19Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

How to fight the next new Covid variant after omicron? Plan for it now

We are currently in the middle of yet another Covid-19 variant surge. It is important that we plan ahead for the next one before it actually arrives. We have the high quality masks, more testing, and manageable techniques for those that are hospitalized, but as we enter the endemic world, we should think bigger. It is known that the virus can and will continue to mutate and plans should be enacted for inevitable surges There is no guarantee that the future variants will be mild. To learn more, click here.

CDC issues urgent alert: Pregnant women need the Covid-19 vaccines

19Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

CDC issues urgent alert: Pregnant women need the Covid-19 vaccines

The CDC continues to urge pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Less than one third of pregnant women have been vaccinated and that is alarming. It has been noted that those with underlying conditions should be receiving the vaccine the most; and pregnancy is considered an underlying condition. The women trying to get pregnant or that are breastfeeding should follow the vaccination guidance as well. Pregnant women that are unvaccinated run the risk of delivering pre-term babies. Studies have shown that there is not an increased risk for miscarriage after a single dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines. To learn more, click here.

Fauci says ‘full-blown’ COVID-19 pandemic is almost over in US.

17Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Fauci says ‘full-blown’ COVID-19 pandemic is almost over in US.

Dr. Fauci, the chief medical adviser for President Biden, believes that the full-blown pandemic phase is winding down. The government response to the pandemic will be handled on a local level as opposed to federal like it has been in the past. There are still mask mandates in much of the U.S., and that is coming to an end “soon.” Those hospitalized due to COVID, in the United States, has dropped significantly according to the CDC. If the Omicron surge continues to dwindle, and a new variant does not emerge, we will come out on the other side of this in the very near future. It is also believed that the need for frequent boosters will turn into a once every four or five years will be the norm. To learn more, click here.

Africa ‘on-track’ to control the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO says

14Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Africa ‘on-track’ to control the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO says

The regional head of the World Health Organization for the continent states that African countries are on track to control the coronavirus and the variants that are emerging. Africa has faced a lot of challenges such as inequities in accessing the vaccine and the impact of the lockdowns on their economies. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa assures us that, “We are finally able to say that if current trends hold, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” While the continent only has 11% of the adult population vaccinated, they are still expected to maintain control of the virus. To learn more, click here.

Covid-19 vaccine authorization for younger children delayed as FDA seeks more data

13Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Covid-19 vaccine authorization for younger children delayed as FDA seeks more data

Parents continue to wait to find out when their youngest children are able to get a Covid-19 vaccine. Pfizer and BioNTech have submitted a request to the FDA to authorize the use of their drug in people 6 months to 5 years old. The meeting that was originally scheduled for February 15, 2022 has been postponed due to new data. New data shows that while the vaccine is safe, it lacks true effectiveness. The FDA is requesting data from an ongoing trial of a third vaccine dose which is not scheduled to be completed until April 2022. This delay in authorization is not a “no,” more trials are needed in order to keep everyone safe. To learn more, click here.

Covid-19 booster shot uptake is at all-time low in the US, CNN analysis finds

13Jan

By longhaulersnewNo Comments

Health

Covid-19 booster shot uptake is at all-time low in the US, CNN analysis finds

Public health officials are concerned after reviewing the falling numbers of individuals that getting vaccine booster shots. Of the entire U.S. population, only 28% have received a booster shot against COVID-19. Evidence shows that people who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine as their first dose were less likely than other groups to get their booster shot. 4 out of 10 people that are full vaccinate report that they will definitely not get a booster or will only do so if it is required. The choice to boost also seems to be connected to party lines as Democrats largely outnumber Republicans that got a booster shot. To learn more, click here.