COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying the holidays. As we all get back to the classroom and office, the topic of the week is the omicron variant. On Sunday, the World Health Organization designated it a “variant of concern,” with the U.S. SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) following suit on Nov. 30.
We should all take omicron seriously; however, there is no need to panic. The protective measures that we have all been practicing can also protect us against this new variant:
- Wear facial coverings when indoors
- Test if you have symptoms
- Isolate if you’re positive for COVID-19
- Get vaccinated
- Get a booster shot (six months after your second dose of Moderna or Pfizer; two months after J&J)
I know that we all have COVID fatigue. It is understandable to get frustrated and let down our guard, but, with holiday gatherings and large events like Art Basel that bring in visitors from all over the world, it is even more essential to adhere to what we know works. We will only get through this by staying committed to these actions and convincing as many of our friends, families, and neighbors as we can to do the same.
Stay calm, stay vigilant, and stay healthy. I am here to answer any questions you have about this new development.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
KNOWNS AND UNKNOWNSOmicron was first detected in early November in South Africa and was reported to the WHO on Nov. 24. One of the main reasons international and national organizations deemed it a variant of concern so quickly is the number of mutations and where they are located. However, this is a very new development, and it will take weeks to work through the data. Although there is a lot of speculation even in the scientific community, here are the things we still do not know:
- How quickly it will spread
- How vaccinated individuals will be affected
- How effective the current vaccines are
- If people who have already had the virus can get reinfected
MUTATIONS As I mentioned, the concern with omicron has much to do with its mutations. It has about 50 mutations—twice as many as delta—with 30 on the spike protein, which can directly affect how well it binds to human cells (transmissibility) and alter how the virus interacts with the antibodies produced by the vaccines or prior infection (evading immune response).
Omicron also has 21 unique mutations that have not yet been seen in other variants. It is hard to predict exactly what the virus will do for these reasons, but we need to allow scientists time to study the data and make recommendations.
VACCINATIONSEven if vaccines prove to be less effective against omicron, there is no data thus far that indicates that the vaccines we currently have will not offer protection against severe illness if you get infected with the new variant. That is why the CDC strengthened the language in its booster recommendations, from all adults 18 years or older “may” get a booster to all adults “should” get a booster.
Also noteworthy is that if omicron does turn out to be more transmissible than delta, the strain on the health care system will be that much more severe. Because of this, please urge all your friends and family to get their flu vaccine.
STAY GROUNDEDOmicron, holidays, exams—oh my! Even in non-pandemic times, this “most wonderful time of the year” can be very stressful. That’s why it is even more important to stay mindful. First, make sure you are meeting your essential needs. When you feel like you are overwhelmed, ask yourself, “Have I eaten today, did I drink enough water, am I getting enough sleep, and have I been physically active?” It is incredible how these four things contribute to physical and mental well-being.
Another way to stop anxious thoughts is to do a grounding exercise. For example, keep a small object associated with a positive memory. Then, when you feel stressed, hold it in your hand and focus on how it physically feels and the good feelings it symbolizes.
Don’t forget to stay connected with the important people in your life. Whether family or friends, make sure you remain in contact with those who bring you joy.
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University's COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are a student in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
If you are a faculty or staff members in need of support visit fsap.miami.edu. |
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