What IS the fuss about omicron?

[GingerHouse]

In all seriousness, data shows that not a single person has died from omicron and that’s in countries that have low vaccine uptake too.

The virus is going to mutate all the time and as things are showing this variant is very contagious and the vaccine doesn’t work as well against it, but it’s mild to almost everybody.

I feel like this is mass panic and for what reason?! I understand wearing a mask where applicable to help reduce the spread but I just don’t get it! Is this going to happen every winter forevermore?

@milkyaqua

The whole world of information at your fingertips, threads on here devoted to the new VOC which might explain a few things to those who don't bother to keep up with the basics of the pandemic, but no...

Get over yourself 😂

Have you read the other thread on here about a scale of 1-5….. Many people are 4/5…..go figure

[quote Greyowl32]@Starcup agreed, but mumsnet will probably remove my posts and keep those from the loons wanting us to lock away in the garden shed for the next 50 years to protect the NHS.[/quote]
Your posts are fine. You speaking the truth and you’re not using insults to get your points across… like some people!

I think they feel that overwhelming majority of people would agree to a lockdown. I think they are disillusioned tbh!

[quote rrhuth]@GingerHouse you're not informed at all.

You're completely uninformed.

It doesn't make you a lesser person no. But speaking about things when completely ignorant, and not even having the self-awareness to think you maybe need to educate yourself, is not cool at all.

You need to go and read and listen to real scientists and engage with the reality of what they are saying.[/quote]
I am not completely uniformed though?

I’m as much informed as you are on this particular variant of Covid. I’m absolutely not completely ignorant nor do I lack self awareness.

I find this completely and utterly insulting. I’m not preaching any pseudo science or telling everyone that vaccines don’t work I’m stating that I feel that the fuss about this particular variant of covid does not need the hysteria and rules. After 2 years of ‘listening’ and ‘reading’ the science, surely many variants are to be expected??

*uninformed bloody hell im tired!

I feel no hysteria surrounding covid. I am alarmed at people who seem desperate to not avail themselves of basic facts, that would be helpful in protecting them and their families and communities. By all means stay wilfully uninformed.

What percentage does natural immunity give you?

I’m not preaching any pseudo science or telling everyone that vaccines don’t work I’m stating that I feel that the fuss about this particular variant of covid does not need the hysteria and rules. After 2 years of ‘listening’ and ‘reading’ the science, surely many variants are to be expected??

It is not merely a variant, it is a Variant of Concern. Whatever you might feel, the rest of the world is slightly alarmed at the implications of a VOC now.

@DoOneBoJo

How else would they keep everyone scared and easy to control?

You need help

@milkyaqua

I feel no hysteria surrounding covid. I am alarmed at people who seem desperate to not avail themselves of basic facts, that would be helpful in protecting them and their families and communities. By all means stay wilfully uninformed.

I think the basic facts are just that, basic facts. I don’t think anyone on this thread has said that.

Calling people stupid for acknowledging the “basic facts” we’ve all been presented with may need different measures to what you think doesn’t make you any better or more clever than anyone else.

You have not grasped the basic facts. Your thread has provided a haven for people who are not aware that they have not grasped the basic facts about the emergence of a VOC, and who are egging each other on to mock anyone attempting to explain in good faith what is going on.

@rightsideoftheroad

It's no coincidence that the fear mongering about a new variant has appeared just as the winter hits. Everyone predicted this would happen months ago, just as Delta hit the headlines.

It isn't winter everywhere - there are two hemispheres! - and Omicron and spreading globally. So there goes your coincidence and your fear-mongering.

What we REALLY REALLY need is members of the public to come forward and train to be carers / HCAs / rehab assistants / porters etc - things that can help quickly without a degree required and make a massive different to the entire population. The staff shortages can only be solved by the public at large

I agree with a pp, this comment is

Then again, people are very suggestible atm. Like a mass psychosis.

@milkyaqua

You have not grasped the basic facts. Your thread has provided a haven for people who are not aware that they have not grasped the basic facts about the emergence of a VOC, and who are egging each other on to mock anyone attempting to explain in good faith what is going on.

Agree with you Milky. This thread has gone haywire and there are some really nasty posters on board. Since BoJo's announcement the other day, it's been nothing but hysteria here.

It isn't winter everywhere - there are two hemispheres! - and Omicron and spreading globally. So there goes your coincidence and your fear-mongering.

Exactly?! Omicron is spreading despite the climate, age, vaccinated or not. And in most cases it’s very mild.

Think best thing is to try and avoid getting narky with each other, I’m guilty of this too.

Our best route through this is to support each other and have cohesion.

We are not highly qualified virologists, we do not spend our days analysing research and scrutinising data.

The fact that this is happening on a global level, and there is a consensus of opinion from experts in the field means we’ve got to hang tight, listen and do our best to support each other.

It is a variant of concern - without the luxury of a crystal ball- so I guess the two options are

• to respond, monitor, put preventative measures in place with the outcome that our NHS can cope and provide an adequate standard of care across all it’s vital services

• do nothing, and the rate of hospitalisations could become completely unmanageable, even basic services cannot be provided and anyone in need of hospital care is faced with a life threatening situation or death

@Glitteringduck

What percentage does natural immunity give you?

Unknown.

Probably similar to vaccination (two shots) because they were previously held to give similar immunity. But like other issues concerning omicron, we'll know considerably more in a few weeks.

@Beadebaser - good post, especially the last bit

@Beadebaser

Think best thing is to try and avoid getting narky with each other, I’m guilty of this too.

Our best route through this is to support each other and have cohesion.

We are not highly qualified virologists, we do not spend our days analysing research and scrutinising data.

The fact that this is happening on a global level, and there is a consensus of opinion from experts in the field means we’ve got to hang tight, listen and do our best to support each other.

It is a variant of concern - without the luxury of a crystal ball- so I guess the two options are

• to respond, monitor, put preventative measures in place with the outcome that our NHS can cope and provide an adequate standard of care across all it’s vital services

• do nothing, and the rate of hospitalisations could become completely unmanageable, even basic services cannot be provided and anyone in need of hospital care is faced with a life threatening situation or death

I agree with you on every single point, what a brilliant post.

There is no need for an “us vs them” divide and asking valid questions about the severity of the virus doesn’t mean you should be labelled as “stupid” or “not educated enough on the matter to be able to speak”.

I think, lots of people have questions like my OP but instead of answers you’re called stupid and so on. That’s why many people don’t post.

I think if other posts were as well put together as yours we might be able to have a discussion on the matter instead of this ridiculousness it’s turned into.

GingerHouse

rrhuth

@GingerHouse

I am not completely uniformed though?

I’m as much informed as you are on this particular variant of Covid. I’m absolutely not completely ignorant nor do I lack self awareness.

I find this completely and utterly insulting. I’m not preaching any pseudo science or telling everyone that vaccines don’t work I’m stating that I feel that the fuss about this particular variant of covid does not need the hysteria and rules. After 2 years of ‘listening’ and ‘reading’ the science, surely many variants are to be expected??

The thing is, you're asking uninformed questions and making uninformed assertions. You're clearly not informed, if you were, you wouldn't be asking those questions. After two years it has got tiresome having to discuss over and over the basics with people who don't accept the scientific and mathematical basics.

Read the SAGE report, read what Ferguson said. If they seem unbelievable to you, stop and think why you are struggling to understand the reasons why experts have concerns. No one knows yet what precisely will happen. But clearly there is cause for concern with this variant.

I get that you feel insulted that I said you are uninformed. But I stand by it.

I don't think you can explain a) why Omicron risks overwhelming the NHS by January or b) which base assumption Ferguson/SAGE has got wrong, with any convincing scientific basis. And you know it.

I'm sorry that covid is shit. I accept we do not know everything about Omicron yet. But I understand why it is a bigger risk/concern than Delta. I think if you stopped and engaged, you could understand it too.

It isn't winter everywhere - there are two hemispheres! - and Omicron and spreading globally. So there goes your coincidence and your fear-mongering

Well it emerged in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is summer.

And covid does seem to regress a bit in the summer. So that is another reason for waiting to see what happens with the pattern of disease produced in the northern hemisphere's winter

@Glitteringduck

What percentage does natural immunity give you?

Much lower than for Delta, early data suggests multi-fold greater likelihood of reinfection with Omicron. This is a component of the concern.

@rrhuth

GingerHouse

rrhuth

@GingerHouse

I am not completely uniformed though?

I’m as much informed as you are on this particular variant of Covid. I’m absolutely not completely ignorant nor do I lack self awareness.

I find this completely and utterly insulting. I’m not preaching any pseudo science or telling everyone that vaccines don’t work I’m stating that I feel that the fuss about this particular variant of covid does not need the hysteria and rules. After 2 years of ‘listening’ and ‘reading’ the science, surely many variants are to be expected??

The thing is, you're asking uninformed questions and making uninformed assertions. You're clearly not informed, if you were, you wouldn't be asking those questions. After two years it has got tiresome having to discuss over and over the basics with people who don't accept the scientific and mathematical basics.

Read the SAGE report, read what Ferguson said. If they seem unbelievable to you, stop and think why you are struggling to understand the reasons why experts have concerns. No one knows yet what precisely will happen. But clearly there is cause for concern with this variant.

I get that you feel insulted that I said you are uninformed. But I stand by it.

I don't think you can explain a) why Omicron risks overwhelming the NHS by January or b) which base assumption Ferguson/SAGE has got wrong, with any convincing scientific basis. And you know it.

I'm sorry that covid is shit. I accept we do not know everything about Omicron yet. But I understand why it is a bigger risk/concern than Delta. I think if you stopped and engaged, you could understand it too.

How am I asking uninformed questions though? Are my questions not valid enough for you?

I have read the reports, and no I’m not struggling to understand anything, I’m asking WHY this particular VOC is causing so much havoc providing we have 2 years of research and vaccines and boosters readily available.

That’s all I’m asking?! I’m not stupid or uneducated for asking that particular question am I? Yeah I am insulted and I’m insulted in the way you’re talking to me for asking a very valid question by the way.

If you feel someone is wrong and can offer insight why not do that, instead of just assuming they’re entirely not capable of reading the exact same research you have and having questions.

@GingerHouse exactly - we all have different viewpoints, and that is the beauty of being human. So long as we can speculate in a constructive way and use those different opinions for a positive outcome.

I’m hoping and praying it will be mild for all - but the picture seems to be changing on a daily basis. So I do think it’s a case of just holding tight, being mindful of restrictions (and I do recognise that’s so hard for many people) - supporting each other, until there is more clarity.

No one is stupid, people should be able to express their concerns and fears.

BUT - misinformation is harmful - particularly at a time when things are critical. And I think there are a few posters on here who are constantly looking for the negative to drive an agenda. Who will present a scientific paper out of context, or misrepresent part of it. Which is why - when things are questioned - it is really important to keep in mind what the global consensus of medical thought is on a particular issue. E.g it concerns me that posters on here may use articles to dissuade others from taking the vaccine, when that is not the consensus of worldwide medical thought.

@GingerHouse

I’m asking WHY this particular VOC is causing so much havoc providing we have 2 years of research and vaccines and boosters readily available. This absolutely is an uninformed question. The answer has literally been published by the government. You have not read that paper. If you read it, you will have the answer.

That’s all I’m asking?! I’m not stupid or uneducated for asking that particular question am I? Yeah I am insulted and I’m insulted in the way you’re talking to me for asking a very valid question by the way. I haven't said you are stupid, I have said 'uninformed'. Your question shows you are uninformed, that you have not read the information which has been published by the government.