How to Prevent Getting Omicron Variant 2022

All current cases in the U.S. are caused by the Omicron variant, and, in particular, a lineage of Omicron known as BA.2. The good news is that “Omicron seems less likely than Delta to cause serious disease,” says Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Omicron also tends to cause symptoms a little sooner than Delta did—about two to three days after infection rather than four or five.

According to WHO, BA.2 now represents nearly 94% of all sequenced cases and is more transmissible than its siblings, but the evidence so far suggests it is no more likely to cause severe disease. Only a few dozen cases of BA.4 and BA.5 (Omicron sub-variants) have been reported to the global GISAID database. 

Tatiana Prowell, MD, an associate professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine who has treated people with COVID-19, has tweeted some simple advice on how to avoid contracting Omicron. Read on to find out more.

Stay Home

Prowell tweeted: "The American public needs a clear message. It does not appear to be coming, so here's my best attempt. If you are able to, you should: STAY HOME, STARTING NOW."

Prowell also quoted a tweet, adding the simple message "Do this:" "My two cent suggestion, if possible, shut as much as your life down as possible until the end of January. The next 5-6 weeks are going to be nasty AF as far as navigating this pandemic. Obviously this is not possible for everyone, but if you can do it, I highly recommend it."

How Long Should People Stay Home?

In terms of how long people would stay home as much as possible, Prowell advised: "A few weeks so our hospitals don't all end up enacting crisis standards of care."

Acknowledging that this isn't possible for people who have to work in public, the doctor added, "The more people who can stay home choose to do it, the safer it is for everyone who has to work in person."  

Although it's been widely reported that Omicron produces less severe illness and is less likely to lead to hospitalization, people who contract it must still quarantine. This endangers healthcare services by reducing the number of doctors, nurses and paramedics who can provide lifesaving care. In New York City, dozens of urgent-care clinics have closed temporarily because of staffing shortages, and 30% of the city's EMS workers were on medical leave as of Wednesday.

Wear This Kind of Mask

Prowell's second important piece of advice: "Get a good mask (N95/KN95/KF94). Go to non-profit @projectn95. They have helpful people with vetted masks that are affordably priced."

In recent weeks, many health experts have advised that because Omicron is so contagious, cloth masks are no longer sufficient protection. Like Prowell, they have advised upgrading to high-quality masks like N95s and KN95s, with three-ply surgical masks as a next-best option.

Essential Vs. Non-essential Activities

Sometimes, leaving home is necessary. "I consider medical appts essential," tweeted Prowell.

But it's a good idea to reduce inessential public outings, and reduce or adjust your shopping habits for essentials like groceries. "We have started doing grocery delivery or contactless pickup again in the last week," tweeted Prowell. "I am personally not seeing any friends indoors because I am aware of way too many outbreaks even in #vaxxed & #boosted groups that tried to be careful."

How to Stay Safe Out There

Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Can Quercetin Prevent Omicron Variant?

As of June 2022, there have been 3 published prevention (prophylaxis) studies of quercetin and COVID-19 (c19quercetin.com).

Quercetin is also ranked No. 1 in this prevention studies league table:

Quercetin is a pigment that is found in plants, vegetables, and fruits, and serves as an immune nutrient offering many health benefits. Elderberry, red onions, white onions and cranberries are the richest sources of quercetin. It is a flavonoid and antioxidant that may help to reduce inflammatory cytokines, infections, allergies and anti-blood clot property. Research has found that quercetin may be particularly beneficial for viral respiratory infections. This is definitely one nutrient you can consider seriously to add to the growing number of strategies you can use to prevent COVID-19.

At-Home Treatments

There are many COVID-19 treatment protocols out there on the internet. We have reviewed many protocols and believe the FLCCC I-MASK+ protocol is the easiest and most effective to follow. 

Always consult your trusted medical professional before you take any medication or supplement. You can find a listing of doctors who can prescribe necessary home isolation medications on Find a Provider post. 

McCullough et al. Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2020