The latest COVID-19 challenge is the omicron variant, and while some things remain the same, there are new developments – and things we are learning that will help us to win the pandemic battle. Dr. Jane Torgerson, medical director of the Brown-Lupton Health Center, and Dr. Pamela Frable, associate professor of nursing, answer some frequently asked questions for TCU News to help guide our TCU community.

We see no masks, masks and all kinds of masks. Do they matter?
Yes. Masks are a proven deterrent of spreading the virus. The best mask for protecting yourself from getting COVID-19 is the N95 mask. Second best is the three-ply surgical mask. Both of these masks are much better at preventing infection than the cloth mask. It is especially important to use a better mask when in a crowded indoor situation without good ventilation.

Does a cloth mask provide any protection? What about the disposable ones available at TCU building entrances?
Yes, cloth masks are better than no mask and do provide some protection for a short period of time. The disposable masks provided by TCU, if worn correctly by sealing the nose guard and wearing securely across the nose and face, also provide a good layer of protection. Doubling a disposable mask with a cloth mask is another way to add extra protection if you don’t have access to N95 or three-ply surgical masks.

If we are seeing different variants, why is the vaccine important?
The vaccine is important because it has been proven to decrease the risk of getting seriously ill, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19, and this has remained true with the variants we are seeing. And while it does not prevent it completely, the vaccine does lessen the likelihood of getting COVID-19. Vaccination benefits individuals, but its greatest strength is when we have high levels of vaccination at the community level. The higher the vaccination rate – within the TCU community and beyond – the more we can protect everyone – including the most vulnerable – and slow the spread to eventually get the virus under control.

What about boosters? If the virus is mutating, does it still matter if we get a booster of the original vaccine?
Yes, boosters are proving to be important in slowing the spread and preventing severe symptoms. The fact is, we are approaching about a year since some people were vaccinated. Like a flu shot, vaccines do eventually wear off. We don’t know what the future will hold for COVID-19, but for now, the science is showing that boosters help. Per the CDC, to be considered up-to-date on vaccination status, you must have received the booster if eligible. If you have been vaccinated and boosted, please confirm both with TCU [link removed].

Does omicron spread faster?
Omicron has been found to be more transmissible, meaning it spreads more effectively from person to person than prior variants, unfortunately. This makes us all need to be ever vigilant, even as we grow tired of dealing with this.

How are the symptoms of omicron different?
The symptoms are basically the same as with other variants: congestion, sore throat, fever, body aches and fatigue. It has been reported that the loss of taste and smell is less common with this variant. People are developing symptoms a little more quickly after exposure with the omicron variant, although, as with all the variants so far, a person may have no symptoms at all. So far, we have seen that omicron is milder than previous variants and resulting in less cases of severe illness. Time will tell if this holds true.

Will there be other variants?
Yes, the virus will continue to mutate. We don’t know yet what that will entail, but our best defense against mutation is to stop its spread with getting vaccinated, getting tested when exposed or ill, staying home when sick, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds and practicing good health and hygiene.

Why did the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make changes to its guidance for isolation [link removed]?
To summarize the CDC rationale, it has to do with the period when it is most likely that an infected person would spread the virus in balance with how people actually behave and the efficacy of properly using a good quality mask. It’s important to note that there are guidelines for different scenarios – people who are asymptomatic, people who had symptoms and people who had severe COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system.

The guidelines also emphasize the importance of properly wearing a quality mask after returning to school or work. 

There are so many changes. Where is the best place to find accurate, reliable information?
This is a great question, because bad information is everywhere (thanks to social media, anyone can share their opinion!). Remember to doublecheck sources and check credentials. We recommend using the CDC as well as the Texas Department of State Health Services’ COVID-19 website [link removed]. For decisions about your personal health, always check with your trusted physician or other trusted health care clinician.