Omicron sends the world into high alert

Also, what chronic fatigue syndrome can tell us about long COVID

View this email online by Carol Ritchie Denis Farrell/AP  The world has gone into high alert over the omicron strain of the coronavirus. Scientists worry it may be the most infectious strain yet. Here's what we know — and don't know — about this new variant. Omicron appears to "outcompete" the delta variant, and its mutations may help it evade the immune system. That may be what makes it so transmissible, researchers say. The new strain was first reported in South Africa, but it was in Europe at least a week earlier. The variant was identified in the Netherlands in retests of samples from Nov. 19 and 23, a fact that appears to undermine the effectiveness of travel bans such as the ones President Biden enacted Monday. Biden said Monday that omicron was a cause for concern — but not panic. "The best protection against this variant or any of the variants out there is getting fully vaccinated and getting a booster shot," he said. Vaccine-makers are racing to combat the new variant by testing higher doses of booster shots, designing new boosters that anticipate strain mutations, and developing omicron-specific boosters.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message What Else We're Reading Beth LaBerge/KQED COVID-19 hit 13 members of the close-knit Callaway family last year. This year, it struck again — but fewer people got sick. They and their doctors credit the protection of vaccination. Deep fatigue is one of the most commonly reported long-term effects of COVID-19. It's known as "post-exertional malaise," a worsening of symptoms such as pain or fatigue after physical or mental exertion. For patients with long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome may offer a guiding star. Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to New Normal emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy