Holy Crap - Omicron

[sidney]

Wow. That got ugly fast.

In just a couple of weeks we went from great numbers and looking like we were out of the whole thing to the dealing with the apocalypse.

Is everyone managing to stay healthy? Has Omicron caught you yet? The experts all say it's not a matter of 'if' you'll get it now, it's a matter of when.

[HoudiniDerek]

It hasn't really hit here yet, but the hospital CEO said it's a matter of time too. He said that more for the unvaccinated though.

I'm sure it's headed this way since other areas are shooting up.

Stay safe everyone!

[sidney]

It's here, alright. We went from good numbers to breaking records in just two weeks. Vaccinated are getting sick as well.
I'm hoping that it is mild, like people are saying. In South Africa, they had mostly mild disease. One expert said, though, that South Africa is a younger population. They weren't as vaccinated as us though.

[amyk]

I don't think we've had any omicron yet in my city. I also hope it is very mild and/or that the vaccines are still fairly protective against it. I'm feeling like we may constantly be in a pandemic for the rest of our lives, although I pray that it will come to an end. I am getting quite concerned that too many medical staff may leave the medical field, due to being worn out, etc. and if that happens, then we all may suffer whether or not we get COVID.

[sidney]

I find it so interesting that you guys haven't seen Omicron yet. The news here says it's all over the states.

It's gotten crazier here. It really is increasing exponentially. Omicron is apparently more transmissible than the common cold. It's still considered mild though. There hasn't been any changes there. The UK and South Africa are both saying mild. Only time will tell, but I hope it stays that way. The vaccines don't stop you from getting it at all though. Even people with boosters are getting it - manifesting as a runny nose and maybe one or two other mild symptoms. The problem is the R value is so high that one person is expected to infect 4 or more people. One of those people could be someone that won't get a mild infection and could end up in the hospital.

[HoudiniDerek]

I live in a town of 200, so the odds are that we might be a little more protected, for now, in the rural areas. I'm sure it's coming though.

[sidney]

I'm scared, personally. It's that bad.

[HoudiniDerek]

Well, I was right. It was coming.

COVID, not sure which variant, has hit me and the entire family. *Sigh*

Good thing we are all double vaxxed and the wife and I are boosted. Otherwise, she might be in the hospital or dead. It's really hit her hard. I had a bad day yesterday, but seem to be okay overall. The kids are rebounding like kids do.

[sidney]

What are your symptoms? What are hers?
Who brought it home?
How long apart did you each get it?

[HoudiniDerek]

She has all of them but fever. I have the fever, slight cough, and shortness of breath.

Not sure who brought it home. I was in getting medicine for an ear infection and they tested me. When I was positive, my wife took everyone in and everyone had it. So we all found out the same day.

[amyk]

Hoping your wife and all the family recover well and quickly!

[HoudiniDerek]

So far the kids have been the quickest to recover and had the mildest symptoms. My first born was the worst of the three, but seems to be on track to be fine.

I was fine Monday and Tuesday for the most part, but Wednesday was awful. Thursday and today have been on the mend for me, but I can function and work. If that continues, next week will be slow for me, but capable.

My wife has been sick pretty much since the day the calendar flipped with different ailments in addition to her long-term ones. I'm hoping she recovers from this without the long COVID battles.

Thanks, Amy!

[HoudiniDerek]

Did you all see that Mr. T tweeted about being vaccinated and wearing a mask?

And then a US Senator made it seem like he was stupid for being so?

[sidney]

Yeah, I saw it. I love him. He's so awesome. So wonderful.
Dwight Schultz says Mr T is a conservative. If he is, he's the right kind - the kind that thinks for himself rather than follows the 'anything liberals think is important we have to hate' rule.

[amyk]

I had not heard about it until I saw this thread, but I went and looked it up. Especially since Mr. T has had cancer, I think it is very wise of him to still be wearing a mask. I don't think it is any of Ted Cruz' business.

Also, I think it is kind of strange if Ted Cruz thought he was going after "Hollywood," as I don't really associate Mr. T with "Hollywood." I mean, I don't think of him as your typical "Hollywood celebrity."