HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — As epidemiologists investigate the latest mutation of COVID-19, called Omicron, state and county health officials continue documenting the latest surge of infections, which has hit more then 1 million Michigan residents.
Health officials have repeatedly indicated that the bulk of people getting ill have not been vaccinated. Retired Holland immunologist and allergist, Dr. Ulf Hierlwimmer, told WHTC he’s been closely following the response to the pandemic and research.
He estimated that the U.S. will see one of 450 Americans dying after getting the virus and expects the national total to reach 800,000 before December ends.
“Everyone seems to forget that this is a deadly disease, and the only hope we have, besides prayer, of course, is the vaccination,” he told WHTC. Listen to his complete call at
Holland Hospital is currently treating 46 seriously ill patients and Spectrum Health’s dashboard showed 438 among its 14 facilities at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021.
In Ottawa County, health officials’ dashboard shows that 7,267 people have tested positive so far this month, the second-highest number since the pandemic hit Michigan in March, 2020, with 48 deaths of Ottawa County reported so far this month, bringing Ottawa County’s death toll to 557.
Allegan County’s dashboard has not been updated for more than two weeks. Health officials cite a technical issue. The most recent figures indicate 212 Allegan County residents have died after getting the virus.
Hierlwimmer said researchers have, so far, found the Omicron variant to have 30 mutations in the spike protein, but it takes two full weeks to extract the complete genetic code.
“The spike protein is the main problem with this virus. It’s not so much the interior of the virus as it is the spike protein, which is like a dagger. It goes right into the human cell and takes over the human cell to produce more virus,” he said. “This is the devilish thing. This is such a serious pandemic. The blame game has to stop. The blame game is worthless.”
He added the speed of vaccine development offers hope to blunt the effects of the virus and limit hospitalizations of people who catch COVID-19.
“Get your vaccine,” he said.
According to reports the new strain is mild AND the vaccine will not work for it. Not sure where this doctor gets his information but it is not accurate … as sadly is most of what is being reported.
Pamela, That is not accurate. Researchers are looking at at least 30 mutations Omicron has, compared to COVID-19, to determine how effective the current vaccine is. While some people may experience mild, flu-like symptoms, others have been so ill, they are hospitalized. One of the issues with all types of COVID-19 is that is affects each person in a different way. Researchers are studying what, in human DNA, is more-vulnerable to the effects of this spike-filled virus and it’s multiple mutations.