A respiratory specialist says the fast-spreading COVID-19 omicron variant will most likely manifest in people who are fully vaccinated – but that’s okay.
The University of Washington’s Dr. Vin Gupta said on the Today show that they are “forecasting that cases are going to rise” not only among the vaccinated but also among the unvaccinated.
“We have to get comfortable with fully vaccinated folks testing positive, that’s going to be our new normal,” Gupta said on the Today show.
“But people should not worry about that because the purpose of vaccines is not to prevent a positive test or a respiratory virus like omicron, it’s to keep you out of the hospital, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.”
When it comes to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 or the flu, Gupta explains that infections cannot be completely prevented, but vaccines can help prevent complications that could lead to hospitalization or even death.
“With respiratory viruses, we can’t ever prevent a positive test or mild symptoms,” he explained.
“They’re totally okay and that’s what we expect. The vaccines are doing exactly what they should be for respiratory viruses; they’re keeping people out of the hospital and that’s a success.”
Unvaccinated individuals, however, are at risk as omicron spreads, according to Gupta.
“Myself and colleagues at hospitals across the country, we’re expecting, frankly, 10,000 weekly deaths, week over week, well into the beginning of March,” he stated.
“So this is going to be a very difficult three to four months ahead.”
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As stated in the CDC briefing on Tuesday, Gupta’s estimation is consistent with the CDC’s prediction that omicron will result in a massive spike in COVID-19 cases by January.
The CDC reported that the variant has spread quickly throughout the U.S., with omicron cases increasing sevenfold just in the last week.
Doctor Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s foremost experts on infectious diseases, prompted people to get vaccinated or to boost their immunity prior to the holidays and winter season on Wednesday.
“Our booster vaccine regimens work against omicron,” he asserted.
“At this point, there is no need for a very specific booster. And so the message remains clear: If you are unvaccinated get vaccinated, and particularly in the arena of omicron if you are fully vaccinated, get your booster shot.”
