With cases all over the country ramping up, many of us are wondering what to do during the winter months. Some of us may feel stressed or fear a repeat of the conditions early in the pandemic.
Here are some things to know about COVID that may help you feel more equipped to handle the next few months:
We know much more now than we did early on in the pandemic. For example,
Masks and social distancing really help to control the spread of disease.
High-touch objects (or “fomites” - just love that word) are less vectors for spreading disease than originally thought.
Close contact leads to more infections. It is defined as being with someone for 15 mins within 6 feet them without a mask; these parameters are lesser when there is coughing, signing, yelling or similar behaviors involved.
Symptoms can be highly varied. The COVID symptom list has grown from 3 (fever, cough, and shortness of breath) to a greater than 10 (Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, and Diarrhea)
Respiratory droplets are still the main mode of transmission compared to airborne particles. When indoors or with poor ventilation and air filtration, airborne particles are more likely to become an issue.
Children continue to be less likely to transmit disease. The ages which appear to be more protective are < 10 years, and especially less than 5 years.
Deaths in young children continue to be rare (<5 yrs), but have been reported.
We are not in a second wave. We are in a worsening of a first wave. Though cases have grown and diminished, we are technically experiencing the first wave. Cases are now rising to unprecedented levels, likely due to the loosening of restrictions and “pandemic fatigue.”
If you believe in masks, get your flu shot! Controlling the flu, which gains epidemic proportions yearly, will be extremely critical to help our healthcare providers manage flu and COVID patients in hospital and outpatient settings.
Here’s what you can do to help yourself and your community:
Stay safe, 6 feet apart and always wear your mask properly!
Limit leisurely travel, mass gatherings that are not necessary.
Avoid the 3 C’s: Close Contact, Crowds, and Closed spaces.
If you’re sick, get tested.
Make a plan. Talk to your family about how you will stay emotionally healthy and physically healthy when outdoor and social activities are limited. Organize safe pods of people you can interact with. When in doubt, wear a mask.
Are you worried about COVID? Wondering what to do if you get sick? Do you need access to a physician you can trust? We are here to help! Schedule your appointment here.