Covid-19 Variants & Omicron Subvariants -

All around the world, vaccines have gone out, and millions have done their part to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Finally, it feels as though we're heading towards light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, a future without fear of hospitalization and case increases. But there's, of course, a continuing buzz around emerging mutating strains of the Covid-19 virus, more recently, the Omicron and Omicron BA.2 variants, and previously, the Delta variant.

According to the CDC, back in December 2020, the Delta Variant rapidly spread and expanded in the United States. At that point in time, it represented approximately 86% of cases. In addition, the country's vaccination levels were lower than expected then, with most transmissions occurring where vaccinations were at or below 40%. Presently, vaccination levels are slowly increasing, with fully vaccinated individuals nearing 59.9% and partially vaccinated (one dose) individuals at 70%.

The Omicron, Omicron BA.2, and Delta variants are mutations of the virus that causes Covid-19. According to the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and healthcare officials at the (WHO) World Health Organization, some of these variants can spread more easily and quickly than others. For example, Omicron and Omicron BA.2 have given rise to the Omicron XE variant throughout the UK and Japan. In addition, here in the US during the month of March, New York has seen Omicron BA.2 subvariants BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rise to comprise more than 70% of cases. Data for April indicates that Omicron BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 cases are up to 90% in Central New York. Beyond these strains are further Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 that the WHO is currently investigating in South Africa, Botswana, Scotland, England, and Denmark.

The CDC also updated their guidelines on masks, encouraging anyone, even fully vaccinated individuals, to wear masks when indoors in high or substantial transmission areas. Community leaders and school jurisdictions are also urged to recommend indoor masking of all staff, teachers, students, and visitors inside schools. The guidance from the CDC for unvaccinated individuals remains the same - continue wearing a face mask in areas with high or substantial transmission rates.

Current Covid-19 vaccines and boosters in use across the U.S. continue to offer good protection against the Covid-19 variants that are most known. Covid-19 vaccines have even shown effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations and death, including the Delta variant. However, the traditional and original forms of virus protection should still be followed when necessary. This includes washing hands, wearing face masks when indoors, and social distancing. When it comes to the most thorough protection, these precautions are essential. This remains true even if you've been fully or partially vaccinated or if you haven't been vaccinated at all.

Specifically, these variants and subvariants most severely impact individuals who are not fully vaccinated or haven't been vaccinated at all against covid-19. This includes anyone who has only received their first dose of a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine such as Pfizer-BioNTech, or Moderna. Additionally, variants can also severely affect individuals most at risk for the original Covid-19 virus, including elderly individuals and those with serious and underlying health conditions.

Protecting Yourself Against Emerging Variants -

Experts at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) continue to study these emerging COVID-19 Variants. Additionally, they have concluded that Covid-19 vaccines, and other preventive practices, like washing hands, wearing face masks, and social distancing, remain the best and fastest solution to stop these new variants in their tracks.

It's important to note that each vaccine offers different levels of effectiveness. According to Yale Medicine, the Pfizer-BioNTech is around 95% effective at preventing symptomatic disease in those without prior infection, according to clinical trial data. The Moderna vaccine was slightly less effective - about 86% - in individuals 65 and older and 94.1% in individuals younger than 65. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 72% overall effective and 86% effective against severe disease in the U.S.

Individuals who have received two-dose vaccines will be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose. Two-dose vaccines available in the U.S. include the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Anyone who has opted for and received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine will be fully vaccinated two weeks after their dose. It's essential to continue to be mindful of others around you, especially when in public places. Overall, with these new Covid variants continuing to emerge, it's best to air on the side of caution.

In addition to receiving vaccines, the CDC also recommends:

• Continue to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer
• Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially in public.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Engage in "social distancing" when appropriate or necessary.
• When in crowded areas, consider wearing a face mask even if you have been vaccinated.
• Abide by business regulations on face mask requirements. Some businesses still require them.
• Be mindful of others in public who may not have been vaccinated and keep a 6-foot distance.
• Invest in products that can help reduce the spread of viruses in your home, such as an air purifier
• Consider purchasing a steam cleaner and sanitizer to naturally disinfect your home's surfaces.
• Keep stronger disinfectants and germ killing products on hand.
• Be sure to keep face masks and gloves handy as well.
• Stocking up on a wide range of virus and germ control products will ensure you're less likely to run out.

Air Purifiers and the Role they Continue to Play -

Air Purifiers can play an essential role in helping clean the air inside your home or even in your personal breathing zone. A personal air purifier can be a great tool when out and about. Depending on the type of air purifier you choose, it can help improve your air quality a significant amount. Ultraviolet Light or UV air purifiers are often the choice should you want to destroy airborne germs, bacteria, and viruses. However, air purifiers with medical-grade HEPA filtration are also very effective at helping clean indoor air for an overall healthier environment.

Because coronavirus and viruses in general are some of the smallest particles, they can be more difficult for HEPA filters to catch and trap. Due to this some HEPA air purifiers may not be completely effective on a single pass. However, if a HEPA purifier is run over a period of time, it can significantly help lower the amount of virus particles in the air. In addition, long enough exposure to UV light in an ultraviolet air purifier can also help disable viruses. Certain air purifiers are even known for helping destroy airborne germs and bacteria including the Airfree Iris and Airfree Onix. So, while air purifiers may not be the entire solution to Covid-19 and its variant strains, they can still play an important role in helping keep your home a healthier place.

Stopping Future Spread of Covid-19 & Delta Variant -

Virus variants like Omicron and Delta will continue to mutate and spread as long as their able to. The most effective ways of slowing or stopping the spread remain the same, receiving a vaccine, wearing face masks, washing your hands, and social distancing. When a large enough percentage of people follow these guidelines or become fully vaccinated, the virus will no longer be able to spread as readily. These practices can also help decrease and discourage further emerging variants, thereby moving us into a Covid free future.