A Note on Summer COVID Precautions
During the summer months, we tend to spend more time indoors and travel more frequently, which can lead to an increase in certain respiratory illnesses. Fortunately, the current COVID variants (FLiRT variants) do not seem to be as life-threatening as the early variants. However, some individuals are still at significant health risk from the circulating COVID strains. Here are some simple measures to reduce your risk of catching or spreading respiratory pathogens (not just COVID-19) when we gather together:
Choose well-ventilated seating and spread out if possible.
Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, or use the crook of your elbow.
Stay informed about vaccines that can prevent or reduce the risk of serious illness from various respiratory pathogens. CDC.gov and Immunize.org are good resources for vaccine information.
Be aware of the factors contributing to summer bumps in illnesses, such as waning vaccine immunity, changes in predominant virus strains, and large indoor gatherings to escape the heat or during travel (like at airports). If you suspect your cold symptoms might be COVID, take a home test. If you are sick, please stay home and watch the service online.
Discuss your vaccine eligibility with a pharmacist or primary care provider. Families with small children, babies, and older adults will appreciate it if everyone eligible is up to date on vaccines.
Consult your primary care provider or pharmacist to see if you would be a candidate for Paxlovid in case you become ill with COVID. This medication needs to be started within five days of symptom onset.
If it has been over four months since your last COVID booster (and over three months since your last COVID illness), consider asking your pharmacist or primary care provider about getting a COVID booster, especially if you have travel plans. A COVID booster received this summer will be the 2023-2024 formulation, which, though not a perfect match to current circulating strains, should still reduce the risk of serious infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID.