Omicron Wave: To Fear Or Not To Fear

“It’s just so transmissible that the absolute numbers of people needing ventilators looked similar to previous waves,” said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, CEO of Newark, New Jersey-based University Hospital.

The much-expected Omicron wave has started. The onslaught has caused a spiking increase in daily case numbers. Some people are aghast at the daily case numbers while others cite the milder symptoms of the Omicron variant to dispel their fear.

Who is right and who is wrong? In fact, both are right. We can do some simple math to understand what we are facing. If Omicron spreads three times faster but the death rate is one-third of the delta variant, you will be back to the same daily deaths as what we had during the last wave. Hypothetical calculations aside, Malaysia is now much prepared for another wave. We have one of the highest vaccination rates around the world and many of us took the booster dose.

To fear or not to fear? Fortunately, Malaysia is hit late by the Omicron variant. We owe thanks to the Ministry of Health for holding the Omicron variant in check and buying us all enough time to get the booster dose before the wave hit. We can look to the other countries hit by the Omicron wave before us to know what could befall us.

This chart perfectly shows the impact of the Omicron wave in the United States. While the case shot up to levels never seen before, the increase in hospitalizations and deaths did not increase proportionately. However, that does not mean the Omicron wave is any less deadly. The number of deaths is similar to the Delta wave, which spiked around August to September last year.

Malaysia is not the United States. We have a much higher vaccination rate. We have much less resistance to the practice of mask wearing. We are much well positioned heading into the Omicron wave.

Still, do not be complacent. Omicron wave can be as lethal as the delta wave. Being ‘milder’ does not mean less deaths or less trouble caused to the healthcare system when the transmissibility of the Omicron variant is so much higher.

Get your booster dose. Avoid unnecessary gatherings. Wear a mask. Test regularly. Stay safe.