Coming

The Omicron variant

I had originally planned to use this space to discuss how life would continue getting back to normal in 2022, but…

To quote infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Omicron COVID-19 variant “will be here. If and when—and it’s going to be when—it comes here, hopefully we will be ready for it.” And so it is.

First discovered in South Africa, the variant B.1.1.529, aka Omicron, has several mutations to the spike protein that could lead to increased antibody resistance and higher transmissibility, public health experts warn. It has been found in the UK, Israel, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Hong Kong.

Many questions about Omicron remain. We can’t say if this variant is more virulent or more infectious, whether it can evade current vaccines, or is capable of re-infection—yet. No information suggests that symptoms associated with Omicron differ from those associated with other variants.

The CDC strengthened its booster recommendations as worries mounted over the Omicron variant, and many countries are implementing tighter travel measures to guard against this variant.

COVID-19 is not going away. Like the flu, this virus will be endemic in the US, and we should get used to fire drills whenever and wherever a new strain is identified.

Do your part! Get vaccinated, obtain a booster shot when you are eligible, wear masks in public places, stay home when you don’t feel well, and wash your hands frequently! Let’s work together to make 2022 the year we finally turn the corner on COVID-19.

Going

2021

It was my hope that as 2021 drew to a close, we would be able to say goodbye to mandated work from home, virtual meetings, Zoom cocktails, and near-constant COVID-19 testing requirements, and say hello to a newish normal. Enter Omicron.

COVID-19 and the many restrictions that it places on our lives and lifestyles aren’t going anywhere—at least not in early 2022.

Most of us saw an uptick in cosmetic patients in 2021 due to the Zoom Boom, and 2022 promises more of the same. To keep patients coming back, let them know all that you are doing to keep them safe. Little things go a long way toward making our aesthetic patients feel comfortable. Consider virtual check-ins to limit the number of touchpoints in the office and boost efficiency. Make sure there is hand sanitizer located in all treatment and waiting rooms, list and document all cleaning protocols, and implement and enforce a vaccine or testing policy for all employees.

I’ll say it again because it bears repeating: Let’s work together to make 2022 the year we turn the corner on COVID-19!