Omicron FAQ: 8 key things to know today about the new COVID variant and symptoms

Here’s what you need to know about the Moderna booster, including doses, side effects and how to get a free ride. For more details, here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines for kids, how you can get a free COVID-19 test kit soon and what to know about breakthrough infections. 

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The omicron variant is raising global concern.

Omicron has more mutations than the delta variant, which is considered at least twice as contagious as previous strains. While it isn’t clear yet if omicron is more or less contagious than delta, the presence of those mutations is one cause of concern. 

Omicron has similarities to the delta variant’s mutation

COVID latches onto cells using a spike protein in its structure.

The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization. With the federal vaccine mandate halted by a court order, Biden is turning to other measures to get booster shots administered. The government has also ordered 13 million courses of antiviral drugs in anticipation of higher case loads this winter. People who are unvaccinated are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized if infected.

Note that to use certain features effectively, like the Maps app, Google will still need to access your location. Google’s help page on the matter says this helps them to detect unusual activity, such as a sign-in from another city, while maintaining personal privacy. 

When Google timestamps your activity within a general area, it is within a span of more than 1 square mile with typically more than 1,000 users to protect personal privacy. However, completing the steps above prevents it from storing any of your future activity.

3, a little more than 75% of Americans ages 5 and older have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. According to CDC data from Dec. As more people start seeking out booster shots, here’s what to know about mixing COVID-19 vaccines and what to consider when choosing your booster. 

I naively figured I’d have my pick of times for COVID travel testing, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Keep in mind requirements will change by destination country. The airline needed proof of my negative test (and other paperwork) to brand me travel-ready, last minute nesebar which left me scrambling for an appointment two days before my flight.

COVID test appointments may not be easy to snag

Please learn from my mistakes.

You already know this, but don’t go anywhere without your passport or other form of ID. Save it to your phone

Whichever documentation you need to get into the country, take it with you wherever you go.

Keep your vaccine card or negative test handy at all times. Also make sure it’s stored on your phone.