Ready or not, the omicron variant of COVID-19 is in the United States, which means it’s only a matter of time before it arrives in St. Tammany Parish – if it hasn’t already.
The good news is that, at least for the fully vaccinated, it appears to result mostly in mild symptoms. But it also should be pointed out that it’s still a very new strain, and so there are still more questions than answers at this point.
Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about the omicron variant, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What exactly is omicron?
Omicron is a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC is working with other U.S. and global partners to learn more about this variant while continuing to monitor its path.
Omicron was first detected in the United States on Dec. 1 in a traveler who had returned to California from South Africa on Nov. 22. As experts learn more, further steps will be taken to slow the spread of all variants, which will help slow the spread of omicron.
Why is omicron concerning?
Omicron is considered a variant of concern in the United States and by the World Health Organization. Scientists are still working to better understand omicron, how it spreads, whether vaccines protect against it, and how severe it is.
How can I keep myself and others safe?
While there is still a lot we do not know about omicron, we do know what prevention strategies help slow the spread of COVID-19, regardless of the virus variant. They include:
- Get vaccinated – The CDC recommends everyone 5 years or older protect themselves by getting fully vaccinated. Everyone 18 years or older should also get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose when eligible.
- Wear a mask – Everyone 2 years or older should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.
- Keep your distance – Stay at least six feet from people outside your home and those within your home who are sick.
- Increase ventilation – Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Use the CDC’s interactive ventilation tool to learn how to reduce virus particles in your home.
- Test to prevent spread – Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.
- Wash your hands often – Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Updated booster guidance
CDC now recommends that everyone 18 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster as soon as they are eligible.
- For those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine:
- Who should get a booster? Everyone 18 years and older
- When should they get a booster? At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
- Which booster should you get? Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.
- For those who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine:
- Who should get a booster? Everyone 18 years and older
- When should they get a booster? At least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
- Which booster should you get? Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States.