The highly transmissible coronavirus variant known as Omicron has sent cases skyrocketing around the world, including in Arizona. UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson researchers Deepta Bhattacharya, PhD, a professor of immunobiology and Janko Nikolich-Žugich, MD, PhD, the head of the immunobiology department and co-director of the Arizona Center on Aging, are quoted.

A new study led by Amelia Gallitano, MD, PhD, professor of basic medical sciences and psychiatry at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, found that sleep deprivation, can significantly increase the levels of serotonin 2A neurotransmitter receptors.

42 experts say this wave of Omicron is no time to let our guard down. "The fatigue, frustration, and burnout of healthcare workers is a serious concern of mine," said Sydney Pettygrove, PhD, an associate research professor at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

From MERV 13 filters to an Oxivir disinfectant station, Facilities Management has made significant changes to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Omicron has been known to more easily infect those who have had the vaccine due to its ability to circumvent immune system defenses, according to one study by Danish researchers. But the vaccine is playing a role in why Omicron is causing fewer hospitalizations and is less severe than the Delta variant. Shad Marvasti, MD, an associate professor of family and community medicine at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, is quoted.

A new study finds even with increased awareness and public health initiatives, improving health equity is a slow process. Senior Author Khadijah Breathett, MD, assistant professor and cardiologist at the College of Medicine – Tucson, discusses the study results published in the American Heart Journal.

In Arizona, 69 of every 100,000 residents are now hospitalized with the virus. "Our state is doing very little to slow transmission of the virus. We have a very lax policy environment. Our businesses are open," said Joe Gerald, MD, an associate professor of public health policy at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, is quoted.

The Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 is now overwhelmingly dominant in Arizona. Three researchers and physicians from the University of Health Sciences, are quoted.