Public health experts say the best way to stay safe against the Omicron variant is to get fully vaccinated, and then get a COVID-19 booster shot.
It’s been nearly two years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, yet hospitals in New Hampshire and across the nation are filling up with infected patients.
New Hampshire’s latest data on the pandemic shows a total of more than 250 thousand COVID-19 cases and is averaging about five thousand new cases each day, according to the New Hampshire COVID-19 dashboard.
Keene State Public Health Professor Dr. Jeanelle Boyer said the reason case rates are so high under the Omicron variant is because of two primary factors: Its increased transmissibility and its capability to escape immune responses. “The Omicron variant has more mutations than the others we’ve seen,” Boyer said.
Dr. Boyer added that the reason why Omicron is so contagious is unclear, but studies suggest some of its viral proteins allow it to enter a cell more easily.
The best way to protect oneself is to not only get vaccinated, but to get a booster shot as well, Boyer said. Although those who get a booster shot may still get infected, Boyer said they are much less likely to end up in the emergency room or require urgent care. “If anyone is on the fence about the vaccine, now is a great time to get a booster or get vaccinated,” Boyer said.
The booster is 90% effective at preventing hospitalization and there is a 66% lower risk of symptomatic infection, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Boyer said everyone should observe safe practices, even those who are vaccinated. “Everyone should be masked, especially while case rates are so high,” Boyer said. “At least until once we get out of the period of hospitals not being overwhelmed.” She recommends everyone to wear a tight-fitting, surgical mask or better.
Construction Clerk of the Works Colin Burdick recommends everyone keep their social circle small and familiar. “If you’re not comfortable eating at a restaurant, order takeout,” Burdick adds.
Despite the presence of a new variant, Burdick said he’s confident Keene State can endure the semester in person. “I think we’re in good shape; we’ve done it before, we know what levers to pull and what works. I don’t believe our student community will strain hospitals with COVID-19.”
Burdick said the first few weeks of the semester always yield above-average numbers for cases before returning to manageable levels. “We’re bracing for impact.”
President Melinda Treadwell said she thinks things will look a lot better by the summer, and she thinks the school will only test symptomatic individuals. “We won’t be looking so aggressively for the virus,” she said.
Treadwell added that the school still plans on having a spring break and an in-person commencement this semester.
Keene State College is now in orange operational status. President Treadwell said this means masking is required indoors and recommended for large gatherings outdoors.
Hunter Oberst can be contacted at
hoberst@kscquinox.com
