Georgia State Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark Dishes Truth on Omicron

On Dec. 29th, a politician from Georgia told the public what some have been begging for, credible information on the COVID-19 virus, in particular the omicron variant that is ravaging the nation. Dr. Jasmine Clark, has a PhD in microbiology from Emory University. She represents Georgia’s 108th District. She took to Twitter to post a long thread about what the virus is currently doing and how citizens can protect themselves. Her Twitter thread is reprinted here on jcoydenreports in an unedited form.

The vaccines that were developed were against the original (alpha) strain of the virus that causes COVID-19. Unfortunately, by the time we ramped up vaccination efforts, a mutated strain (delta) took over. Luckily, we found that the vaccines still worked pretty well against delta, and the overwhelming majority of breakthrough infections (vaccinated people that still got sick) were not severe and did not cause hospitalization or death.

Things were going well until data from other countries suggested that immunity seemed to drop a bit over a time, but boosters could “re-up” that immunity. Things were improving, and then in walks Omicron…a variant with over 50 mutations (viruses are really good at mutating). And with the variant came even more breakthrough infections as the virus created enough mutations to sneak past your antibodies created by the vaccine (AND those created from catching COVID).

But the good news— the antibodies are strong enough to make most cases pretty mild! This super mutated version of COVID mutated so much that it is now SUPER contagious! This means the unvaccinated (which includes some children who do not have a choice or who are still too young to be vaxxed) and the immunocompromised, are at super high risk of catching COVID. And while a lot of data is pointing to this being mild for the vaxxed, we do not have enough info on long term effects (long-COVID) in the vaxxed. And we still have a significant portion of people (Georgia is barely 50% fully vaxxed) that are vulnerable to hospitalization/death.

So, what now… If you have been around someone who tests positive for COVID, assume you have it (even if you are vaxxed/boosted). This is a pretty safe assumption given how contagious the variant is. And govern yourself accordingly. Get tested. Stay masked. Stay home! If you can get your hands on a home test, take the test. If it is negative but you have been exposed, please mask in public and avoid situations where you would unmask (like eating indoors). If it is negative but you have cold symptoms, you probably just tested too early. If you have the sniffles, a scratchy throat, fever, chills, headache, or a cough, you more than likely have COVID (even if you get a negative home test at first). Sometimes the tests can’t “see” the virus yet even though it’s there. Stay home and test again in a day or two. You should isolate for at least 10 days, especially if you have symptoms. Yes, I know the CDC changed their guidance to 5 days followed by masking for the second 5 days, but if you are symptomatic, you need to isolate! Period! This is the best way to protect the vulnerable.

Also, while in public, you really need a good mask! N95, KN95, KF94, double mask w/ surgical + cloth, or surgical w/ tie knot method. You never know who you will encounter, so let’s care for others as we get through this surge. And yes, it is still a good idea to get vaccinated! If the original strain of this virus had been as contagious as this current strain, the outcomes would have been devastating. Vaccines are how we protect ourselves, others, and our hospitals! This omicron wave is frustrating to say the least because it’s taking no prisoners (which is super frustrating for those who have been “doing it right”). Let’s get through this by continuing to take precautions and doing ALL we can to stop the spread.

Georgia State Rep. Dr. Jasmine Clark serves the residents of House District 108 in Gwinnett County. She is currently serving as a Lecturer of Microbiology and Human A&P at the Emory University School of Nursing. Dr. Clark is a Microbiologist with over nine years of laboratory experience in labs with research focuses ranging from Environmental Microbiology, Human Pathology, Bacteriology, and Retrovirology.