Another Variant AGAIN?!

By Gissela Morales

The Omicron variant was announced as the worst contagious variant yet. Yes, another one. Aren’t we all tired of this? 

As tired as we may be, there Covid cases have risen significantly, thanks to Omicron. People 16 and over are currently eligible to get the third booster vaccination, and the booster shot for kids under 16 is currently undergoing trials. Pfizer is still studying the vaccine for kids under the age of 5, but scientists predict it will be available by mid-2022. Meanwhile, new Covid-19 cases are increasing by 3% each week; according to the New York State Department of Health, 27% of New Yorkers tested positive as of January 5th.  

The Variant

Omicron was recently discovered as a variant in November 2021, the first case being found in South Africa. Scientists say it is extremely contagious. The first case was announced on December 1st, but from collected data, Omicron was in the United States long before that. Many patients were experiencing symptoms on November 15th. Omicron has similar symptoms to a common cold which includes cough, fatigue and congestion. 

On Tuesday, January 4th, Johns Hopkins University collected data which revealed that over one million new cases were reported in just one day. Omicron is still spreading across the United States quicker than predicted. This may well cause trouble in many hospitals across the United States due to the significant rise in new cases.

How is Omicron affecting us here in Nyack? 

Omicron may just give you mild symptoms, but it still shouldn't be something we take lightly. Mr. Budhai, our district superintendent, cautions that we should continue to follow rules with masks and keep distance from others. If you are sick, stay home to protect not just yourself, but everyone around you.

Protection Against the Variant 

Three vaccinations will most likely be the full vaccine for Covid-19, as it brings more protection against the new Omicron variant. As mentioned, Omicron is more contagious than the previous variant, which makes it very dangerous to get, but many have said that the  symptoms are like a bad cold. Regardless, getting vaccinated is very important to help combat the symptoms and also protect you against other variants, such as Delta.  

The way that a virus works, if it can find a "host" to live in, it will continue to do so, mutating to fight off and immunity one may have.  The best way to stop this from happening is to cut off the availability of hosts. So. make sure to get two doses of the vaccine as well as the booster shot. This is not just for you, but for the health of others around you. 

Ways to Stay Healthy and Safe! 

• Wear a Mask in public places 

• Get vaccinated and booster shot! 

• Continue washing your hands and using hand sanitizer

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Stay home if you feel sick and get tested