December 27, 2021
Surging ahead
Omicron is here in Seattle, as evidenced by the record number of Covid infections last week. Not just here. Cases are surging all over. True to its reputation, Omicron is more easily spread. Most of us by now have stories of friends infected at innocent gatherings that were considered safe before Omicron. I expect us to set even higher records in the coming week, after the holidays. I think those totals will not reflect the true numbers of infections, because more rapid home testing is common now. Those positive cases are not reported to the health department.
Due to the rise of infections, flights are cancelled. Hockey games and even Bowl games are being cancelled or have last minute changes in opponents. Businesses can’t open due to not enough staff, causing a “soft lockdown”. Hospitals are challenged too. All of this exacerbates pandemic fatigue.
So far, the data shows that people with Omicron are less likely to be hospitalized compared to Delta. We still don’t know if these lower numbers are affected by vaccine status or if someone already had COVID. But keep in mind, Omicron can still make people feel pretty crummy, despite the numbers of unvaccinated vs vaccinated in the hospital showing that the vaccines protect from severe illness. Officials expect already strained hospitals to be overwhelmed due to these numbers.
Vaccinations also help people clear the infection faster, which can decrease transmission. We need to keep in mind that some people do not have strong immune systems, even if fully vaccinated and boosted. They are the ones more at risk and our behavior can protect them. Those at risk are the same people that can benefit from some of the treatments available that can help prevent severe illness.
The first two approved monoclonal antibody treatments don’t work with Omicron, but the newer one, sotrovimab, still works. However, it is in short supply. We are lucky that two different oral pills were approved this week by the FDA for emergency use, but will not be available for a while.
Luckily, remdesivir is still an option. Remember that? It was the first drug that showed promise but ended up not being effective when it was given to hospitalized patients, who had been infected long enough to become very ill. A more recent study shows it is highly effective if given within the first few days of infection. It is given IV and has good data if given early. Another interesting option is the antidepressant fluvoxamine, an SSRI that is related to fluoxetine (Prozac). It has good data and is inexpensive.
All of these treatments work best if given early in the infection, similar to the way Tamiflu helps with influenza and acyclovir helps with shingles. The earlier the better. Finding treatments is the biggest challenge, some places easier than others. Knowing there are options can help. Help your loved ones and yourselves get this help if needed.
Wash your hands, cover your nose with the best mask you can get, keep a safe distance in a well ventilated area. Be sensible and ask for help.
And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organizatio
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