Blog - CommunityLab

How Omicron Compares to the Other COVID-19 Variants

Jan 13, 2022 | CommunityLab

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 burst on the scene very quickly in the United States and around the world. Here’s what we know about this variant from the growing body of scientific research, including the ways it is both similar and different to other COVID-19 variants. What is the Omicron Variant? The Omicron COVID-19 variant is one of four current “variants of concern” named by the World Health Organization. It was first detected by scientists in South Africa and Botswana in November 2021,...

Can I Be Positive for COVID-19 and Asymptomatic?

Nov 11, 2021 | CommunityLab

Did you know that you can be asymptomatic for COVID-19, yet have the virus that causes the disease? Being infected and asymptomatic for COVID-19 can be a challenge, especially if you travel, have coworkers you need to interact with, or have planned visits with family and friends. The COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 virus is an RNA virus. Much like other respiratory viruses, it tends to spread even if no symptoms appear in the person who is infected. In fact, research reveals that about one in four...

President Biden’s COVID-19 Action Plan: Large Businesses and Federal Employees

Nov 2, 2021 | CommunityLab

In July 2021, President Biden announced federal COVID-19 safety protocols and incentives that helped increase the number of people in the United States who have received the COVID-19 vaccine from 164 million to 175 million in just a few short months. New research now shows that only one in 5,000 people who are fully vaccinated may test positive for COVID-19 per week. This number includes the newer Delta, Lambda, and Mu variants of the disease, and it’s a positive step in the right direction...

The New COVID-19 Variants: Delta, Lambda, and Mu

Sep 15, 2021 | CommunityLab

The Coronavirus Health and Impact Study revealed that worry and anxiety about COVID-19 has been a leading factor in people’s ability to manage their mood and mental health since the pandemic began in December 2019. Understanding what the COVID-19 virus is and how the original version compares to its newer variants can help you reduce your stress and worry by assisting you in making more informed decisions about COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Let’s explore what viral variants are, the main...

Saliva vs Nasal Swabs for COVID-19 Testing

Sep 13, 2021 | CommunityLab

For today’s quick turnaround PCR COVID-19 tests, either nasal swabs or saliva may be used to provide samples. Nasal swabs have been used for testing since early in the pandemic, while saliva tests are relatively new. If you want a COVID-19 test but are unsure which method you’d prefer, read on to learn some pros and cons of saliva vs nasal swab sampling. How Saliva Sampling Can Be Used for COVID-19 First, can COVID-19 be transmitted through saliva? The short answer is yes. COVID-19 spreads...