The Omicron variant continues to spread and circulate through the news. Therefore it is only logical that we revisit this topic as well.

There are a few important changes since the last time we talked about Omicron.

The symptoms are a bit different than pre-delta COVID-19 or the flu. Runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat are more common with Omicron. Fever and loss of smell are less common, while shortness of breath is a rare symptom.

Now, if you are exposed to the virus, but not fully vaccinated, you should quarantine for at least 5 days, and then get tested. If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 there is no need to quarantine, just get tested after 5 days.

On the other hand, if you develop symptoms you should get tested right away or quarantine until you can get tested. If the test is positive, isolate for 5 days, and wear a mask for the next 10 days.

As always, don’t forget that we are all in this together, so please help keep yourself and the people around you safe by getting the vaccine and wearing a mask!

Summer is in full swing, and it looks like we’re all ready for a vacation! Now, before you start packing, we have some advice for you.

First, it’s not recommended to travel if you’re not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

If you’re not fully vaccinated, but you still want to travel, you should get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before your trip.

During the whole trip, you should wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It’s also recommended to avoid crowds, buses, trains, and planes. Short trips by car are a safer option. Instead of a hotel, stay at a house or a cabin. Instead of going out to eat, get take-out.

When you return from your trip, quarantine yourself for a week, be on the lookout for any COVID-19 symptoms, and get tested for COVID-19 after three to five days.

Unfortunately, even with all these precautions, you’re still at risk of getting COVID-19.

On the other hand, if you’re fully vaccinated, you should still wear a mask on public transportation and indoor public spaces. After your trip, watch out for COVID-19 symptoms, and get tested for COVID-19 after three to five days.

We are all in this together, and herd immunity can be achieved if we get the vaccine! Help keep yourself and people around you safe.

We’ve talked about COVID-19 variants before, but as the Omicron variant is spreading through the news, it’s time to revisit this topic.

The Omicron variant, also known as B.1.1.529, is a strain of SARS-CoV-2 that has developed a series of mutations on its spike protein.

These mutations can affect transmissibility, disease severity, treatment, and the effectiveness of previously acquired immunity (from previous infections or vaccination).

For now, preliminary data show that it might be more transmissible than the original virus and maybe even more than the Delta variant.

The mutations of spike protein might cause reduced protection in vaccinated or previously infected individuals. However, it is too early to tell.

Luckily, bad news ends here!

There still isn't enough evidence to tell that this new strain causes more severe disease. Also, the Omicron variant seems to be susceptible to the same treatment as previous variants.

Additionally, currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the Omicron variant, which means they should continue to provide protection and reduce hospitalization and death rates. Thus, vaccines remain the best way to fight COVID-19!

Lastly, don’t forget that we are all in this together, so please help keep yourself and the people around you safe by getting the vaccine and wearing a mask!

The battle with COVID-19 is still going on, probably longer than anyone initially thought. It’s been almost a year since the first vaccine was introduced. Now, your immunity might need a small reminder.

A booster shot is sort of a reminder for your immune system. It’s the same as when you go through your notes before a test. You already know the material, but you could brush up on some details.

Recently, CDC created recommendations for individuals eligible to receive booster shots.

Now, if you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID 19 vaccine, you should get a booster shot at least 6 months after your second dose if:
- you are over 65 years old;
- or over 18 years old with an underlying medical condition, live in a long-term care setting, or work at a high-risk job.

However, if you received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID 19 vaccine, you should get a booster shot at least 2 months after your single dose if you are over 18 years old.

Don’t forget that we are all in this together, so please help keep yourself and the people around you safe by getting the vaccine and wearing a mask!

Deciding to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is a big step, but choosing which vaccine to get can be confusing.

Not all vaccines are the same. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines, which means that they use mRNA to talk to your cells and have them create a specific protein or just a part of it. This protein triggers an immune response, which creates antibodies that protect us.

On the other hand, the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. It uses a harmless virus that doesn’t cause COVID-19 to get our cells to produce a specific protein, which again leads to the creation of antibodies.

Now, if you choose to get Pfizer or Moderna vaccine you will need two doses. CDC doesn’t recommend mixing vaccines between doses, so your second dose should be the same as the first one.

Things are a bit different when it comes to booster shots. CDC’s current recommendations allow any authorized vaccine to be used as a booster shot, no matter which one you got in the first place.

As always, don’t forget that we are all in this together, so please help keep yourself and the people around you safe by getting the vaccine and wearing a mask!