The Sigal Lab at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) has reported the first set of data with some insight on how vaccines may protect against the Omicron variant. This information is not yet peer-reviewed and more data is still needed. The lab confirmed that the Omicron variant still infects cells that express ACE2 receptors. This was done by comparing in the lab the infection in ACE2 positive cells and ACE2 negative cells. To test the ability to neutralize this strain, the researchers looked at the ability of plasma containing antibodies from Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trial participants to neutralize Omicron IN VITRO. Six participants had a history of COVID-19 illness + vaccine (hybrid immunity) and 6 were only vaccinated.
There was an average of a 41-fold decline in the ability of antibodies to neutralize Omicron compared to the parental virus. However, the antibodies were still able to neutralize the virus, particularly levels from persons who had hybrid immunity in this study. The study did not look at people who received boosters, but we know that antibody levels of those surpass the ones in persons with just primary vaccination series and those with hybrid immunity. This should provide confidence that booster doses will offer protection against Omicron (and more data is being collected on this).
And Pfizer BioNTech SE released initial lab data showing a third dose of their vaccine provides a similar level of neutralizing antibodies to Omicron that is comparable to two doses against the original coronavirus and other variants. The booster increases antibody protection 25-fold compared with the initial two-dose series.
Amid the lingering fear of the third wave of coronavirus due to the rising cases of Omicron variant across the globe, Israel has reported its first case of the florona. The rare mixture of two diseases caused by concurrent coronavirus and flu infection was diagnosed in a woman who recently gave birth in a hospital in Petah Tikva city, in central Israel. As per the initial reports, the young woman was unvaccinated against COVID-19. Her symptoms were relatively mild, and she is expected to be discharged soon.
As mentioned in various health related articles, unlike Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron and others, florona is not a mutant variant of coronavirus. It is a case of double respiratory infection caused by COVID-19 and influenza pathogens. When the viruses of these two infections are present at the same time in the body, the condition is referred to as florona.
As we know both influenza and flu cause infection in the respiratory system leading to more or less the same symptoms. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) an individual can suffer from both the infections at the same time and share identical symptoms like sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, headaches and fatigue.
WHO chief’s comment comes as a reponse to Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, statement that the acute phase of the pandemic, the pandemic that’s been associated with the tragedy of deaths and hospitalizations – that can end in 2022 IS LIKE A RAY OF HOPE.
The best we can do is to stay vigilant and get our booster shots!
Here in our clinical practice, we have taken it more seriously. We, at Amaya Dental, welcome you all with the strict hygiene protocol recommended by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW). We are also following the AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION’s new update to office procedures during covid 19 updated information as the strict protocol. Every practice is different and unique. Risk assessments are an integral part of ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of everyone within the workplace. We at Amaya Dental Clinic also believe in EVIDENCE-BASED PROSTHODONTICS AND PRACTICE.
Dr. Khushboo Mishra
Clinical director and Prosthodontist
Amaya Dental Clinic
