TWV Podcast Episode 492: The Omicron Variant of Covid-19

On this episode of The Whole View podcast, Stacy and I continue our never-ending series on Covid-19! (*insert laughing, but really crying emoji here*) The emergence of the Omicron variant has truly changed the game the last couple of months, and I dive into what the latest science says, keeping in mind that the body of evidence is growing by the day! New studies have shown that the R0 value for this variant (reminder that is a measure of the transmissibility of a virus), could be the second, if not the first most contagious virus ever in history. It rivals measles in competing for that top most-contagious-ever spot. The research has shown that this insane transmissibility is not due to a higher viral load than other variants, but is shown to spread as effectively between twice-vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Yet another reason why there is a big push to get boosted, to add that additional protection.

Table of Contents[Hide][Show]

Recommended Reading and Listening
Citations

However, the vaccines continue to do their job, even with the numerous mutations of Omicron, and are preventing serious illness and death on a large scale. There have been many anecdotes and questions about the accuracy of rapid tests, and the data shows that if you are going to do a rapid test, they are the most accurate around day 3-5 of symptoms. Omicron also has a very short incubation period when compared to the previous variants (Omicron’s is as short as 33 hours in some studies, before exposure leads to symptoms). Additionally perplexing and further hampering the prevention of spread is that symptoms of Omicron are not necessarily typical of other variants. Symptoms such as headache and a runny nose that were previously not prevalent in other variants, are very common for Omicron. As of recording this podcast there is a 50/50 chance that if you have cold-like symptoms of any kind, it is Omicron. One of the most important things we discuss in this podcast is the harmful idea that Omicron is “mild”. Stacy and I discuss the difference between “less severe” and “mild” and how calling Omicron mild is a very dangerous thing to be purporting.

If you enjoy the show, please review it on iTunes

Citations

Pronouncing ‘Omicron’: ‘AH-muh-cron’ or ‘Oh-MY-cron’?

COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review | CDC

Understanding the Omicron variant’s mutations – The Washington Post

Evidence for a mouse origin of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Omicron variant and booster COVID-19 vaccines

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC Transmission in Danish Households

Initial Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in Exhaled Breath Aerosol

Save 70% Off the AIP Lecture Series!

Learn everything you need to know about the Autoimmune Protocol to regain your health!

I am loving this AIP course and all the information I am receiving. The amount of work you have put into this is amazing and greatly, GREATLY, appreciated. Thank you so much. Taking this course gives me the knowledge I need to understand why my body is doing what it is doing and reinforces my determination to continue along this dietary path to heal it. Invaluable!

Carmen Maier

Save 70%