If you believed that COVID-19 could be ignored, you should reconsider. There has been an increase, and if summer heatwaves continue, many anticipate that the number of cases in California and the Bay Area will only rise.
“We’re playing a better game of COVID roulette, one that’s more in our favor now than it was four years ago,” according to Dr. John Swartzberg of the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.
Thus, what is the best way to protect yourself from this novel COVID version known as FLiRT?
To begin with, data derived from wastewater samples collected in Santa Clara County indicates that the Bay Area is currently going through a fresh peak in activity. COVID is becoming more widespread.
“Wastewater is our kind of early warning system. It’s the best we have,” Dr. Swartzberg stated.
Examine Dr. Swartzberg’s advise if you are experiencing symptoms of the flu or cold right now.
Dr. Swartzberg stated that, “The tests we buy over the counter, the tests we get at a doctor’s office or pharmacy they work very well for these FLiRT variants.”
A positive test result indicates that you have COVID; however, a negative test result does not exonerate you. If you test negative but still feel unwell, you have to repeat the test over and over again.
UC Berkeley Epidemiology professor Dr Arthur Reingold that, “When I go out and about to my shopping in Berkeley, when I’m on planes and in airports these days it’s a very small percentage of people who are wearing masks. I would estimate 5%.”
Experts concur that using a quality mask lowers your risk, but there is no assurance. There are vaccinations to think about.
Read Also: Florida First Responders Rescue Endangered Sea Turtle Trapped After Laying Eggs
The CDC reports that even with the new variation, the vaccine scheduled for release in 2023–2024 can boost protection against symptomatic illness by 54%. In California, very few people have it; only 36% of seniors, 18% of those 50 to 64, and 10% of adults under 50 have received the most recent vaccination.
By September, the 2024–2025 version ought to be accessible.
Do you currently receive a vaccination?
Your plans, underlying medical issues, and state of health all play a role. Just remember that you must wait at least four months between shots.
“I’m probably going to wait until the new variant booster that the FDA approved recently a couple weeks ago becomes available. I’ll be one of the first in line,” Dr Reingold stated.
Similar to the flu, despite the high number of cases already circulating, the peak season for COVID is once again predicted to be late fall and winter.
