The COVID-19 Omicron variant is spreading quickly — but fortunately, researchers are beginning to catch up and form a clearer picture of its potential impact.
Especially with the holiday season — and the inevitable uptick in travel — underway, healthcare providers and hospitals must be prepared for a potential increase in COVID-19 cases, as well as increased demand for testing and telehealth visits.Read on for our monthly news recap exploring the knowns and unknowns about Omicron, as well as how it is expected to impact the demand for telemedicine.
Telemedicine calls expected to increase over Omicron variant [Video]
NBC
Virtual care companies are preparing for an increase in demand for telehealth visits as the Omicron variant continues to spread. During the Delta surge, healthcare providers in the Dallas, Texas area reported a 200-300% increase in telehealth visits — and now expect a similar rise in demand as Omicron spreads. Telehealth providers have the ability to guide patients through at-home COVID-19 testing, as well as potentially provide access to new anti-viral pills, if approved by the FDA.
What patients may ask about the emerging COVID-19 omicron variant
American Medical Association
Much remains unknown about the transmissibility and severity of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, including whether current vaccines protect against it. However, researchers and scientists do have answers to some common patient questions regarding why the variant is a concern, how contagious it is, the symptoms of the variant, and if there is an increased risk of reinfection following a positive test for COVID-19.
Omicron may spread 2x faster than Delta, scientists say
Becker’s Hospital Review
According to initial findings, the COVID-19 Omicron variant may spread twice as fast as Delta. This rapid spread may result from the variant’s contagiousness and its ability to evade the body’s immune defenses —including immunity gained from a prior infection. However, it is not yet clear if Omicron can evade vaccine protection.
Omicron and other COVID variants: What you need to know
Modern Healthcare
The COVID-19 Omicron variant first emerged in November in several southern African nations. Initial reports suggested that it could spread quickly and widely, prompting several countries to impose travel bans with the intent of containing the virus. However, while initial signs are worrisome, it’s still too early to determine if this variant is more or less dangerous than Delta.