What Airline Pilots Need to Know About Omicron
Health Watch
By ALPA Staff
The omicron variant of COVID-19 is spreading across the globe, although its full impact has yet to become apparent. This highly contagious variant has been detected in more than 60 countries, and the number of cases has been rapidly increasing.
In Canada, more cases of COVID-19 were documented during the first 40 days of the omicron wave—777,500-plus—than during the entire first year of the pandemic. In the United States, the first confirmed cases appeared in November 2021, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported, “The omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, and how easily omicron spreads compared to [the] delta [variant] remains unknown.”
Recent reports suggest that many patients suffering from omicron are experiencing milder symptoms compared to those of COVID-19’s previous variants. Omicron primarily attacks the upper respiratory system—the mouth, nose, and throat—which may explain an apparent reduced risk of hospitalization or severe reaction compared to previous forms of the disease that concentrated on the lungs.
Preliminary studies have indicated that while those who’ve been immunized or previously infected by COVID-19 are significantly less protected against infection by the omicron variant, they are unlikely to become seriously ill. “Nonetheless, omicron remains a serious concern, and cases of severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and even fatalities are occurring,” said Dr. Quay Snyder, ALPA’s aeromedical advisor. “The bottom line is that we can’t afford to take omicron lightly.”
While omicron behaves differently than earlier versions of COVID, the actions individuals can take to protect themselves are nearly identical to those of the previous variants. The CDC notes, “Vaccines remain the best public-health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.”
The agency recommends that adults get a booster shot after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Individuals are encouraged to get a booster five months after completing Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, six months after completing Moderna primary series, and two months after the initial J&J/Janssen vaccine.
While mask mandates remain in effect on aircraft and in airports, the CDC advises the use of masks in all public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, the agency reminds everyone that testing can determine if individuals are currently infected. Consider being tested if you display symptoms of the virus, have come into close contact with someone infected, or haven’t been fully vaccinated.
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have significant symptoms, contact your health-care provider, particularly if you’re older and/or have an underlying medical condition. Those who test positive should isolate for at least five days. Read specific CDC guidance. Home antigen testing may be conducted after five days of isolation and at least 24 hours free of symptoms.
For those flying internationally, many countries are currently requiring testing prior to departure in order to enter the country, and your airline should provide guidance on what to expect and what to do to be in full compliance. Health agencies working together with airport authorities in both the United States and Canada have installed biosurveillance systems at key international airports to help detect those with symptoms coming from other countries, and the two governments have advised that they will assess this evolving situation, monitor case data, and adjust border measures as necessary.
In addition to the physical toll that COVID has taken on both airline employees and the general population, the pandemic has increased stress levels as the virus has impacted nearly every aspect of an individual’s professional and personal lives. ALPA members are reminded that Pilot Peer Support (PPS) volunteers are available—24 hours a day, seven days a week at 309-PPS-ALPA (309-777-2572)—to listen and offer confidential, nonjudgmental support.
If your ALPA group has an independent support line, those groups continue to operate under ALPA PPS. Call today:
- ALPA National PPS: 309-PPS-ALPA (309-777-2572)
- Canadian Pilot Assistance: 309-PPS-ALPA
- Delta PAN: 800-673-7150
- FedEx PATH: 866-FDX-ALPA
- JetBlue PAN/PPS: 309-PPS-ALPA
- United SOAR: 866-653-SOAR
Have Questions?
ALPA members with questions about COVID are encouraged to contact the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service, ALPA’s Aeromedical Office. Call 303-341-4435, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. mountain time, to speak with a physician about approved treatments and medical certification.
