G Guest wrote: December 22nd, 2021, 4:06 pm
pembsexile wrote: December 21st, 2021, 10:00 am
The way this virus is mutating is frightening, really frightening. It is also fascinating in a macabre sort of way. We now see that the transmission rate of the virus is developing in a way not seen before. It is very quick to get a hold. However, the severity of the virus is not as bad as the other variants. I wonder if the two are interlinked? The bloody virus seems to have a strategy and a mind of its own. If it carries on, we will see hospitals overwhelmed because of the sheer numbers of cases even if the severity of the illness for some is not the same as previously seen.
Any experts in Virology out there who can answer this one? Does the virus react to the vaccine fight against it or is it just a chance mutation?
Anyway, if what we see with this virus now does not convince those who can to get vaccinated, then there really is a case for mandatory vaccines. My prediction is that sometime in February (if it’s not too late) the case for mandatory vaccines will be overwhelming. If not, prohibitive selection against those who choose not to get vaccinated will probably happen. It’s not the British way but because of the few, we may be forced to take this action.
I just wish players would set an example.
I've read that there is a link between the very high transmissibility of Omicron and its lower ability to cause serious illness. It seems that the same mutation that speeds up infection also reduces the efficiency of the virus as a lung infector.
Thanks. Hopefully that will be true in future years. It seems that in its current form the virus seeks to transmit to as many people as possible. If the link is true then we may see the virus become less and less dangerous as it mutates and spreads in future years. Then, we may be able to treat it as we do the flu or a very heavy cold. Fingers crossed.
However, we are not at that stage yet and need to treat the virus with respect and take general precautions as has been stated on here many times.
I have also read the report that another poster stated that the problem we have now is that so many NHS staff in critical care areas will be off because they have symptoms and there will then be fewer staff to treat the virus as these staff need to self isolate. The irony of it all is that I have seen the news reports that the very people who are in the majority in ITU etc are the people that haven’t been vaccinated. We seem to be in a critical phase right now.