Katherine Streeter for NPR
Katherine Streeter for NPR
Come here.
Just when you thought it might be safe to go back to near-normal times, a new, highly mutated variant of the coronavirus has raised its ugly head in the US.
It’s too early to tell if the omicron variant causes more or less severe disease, the scientists say, although early evidence suggests it evades the immune system better than earlier strains. And, omicron has raise some red flags that suggests it might be the easiest variant to transmit.
All of this leaves many people wondering if it’s time to change our behavior in the interests of safety.
The good news is that you don’t need to hibernate like 2020. Experts note that we are in a much different place than last winter, with a COVID-19 vaccine and booster now available. widely variable. Yes good hope that current vaccines provide protection against severe disease by omicron.
That said, if this pandemic teaches us anything, it’s that when you don’t know what you’re dealing with, “we should use the precautionary principle,” said Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease doctor at Stanford University.
In other words, don’t panic, but think about the risks you want to take.
We spoke to several infectious disease experts for advice on living in the omicron age. But remember: Things are changing rapidly, so stay alert. Public health advice may change as we learn more.
Should I re-mask at home, even in places where masks are not required?
If you haven’t been vaccinated, keep a mask in your home – and get vaccinated, experts agree. For those who are vaccinated, you should wear a mask if you’re at high risk for severe illness because of your age or underlying health condition – or if you’re spending time with vulnerable people. We know that vaccines do not always provide protection for older people and people who are immunocompromised.
Dr Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said: “The things that we are tired of, we need to keep doing, especially putting on masks in places in the world. home.
That advice would hold true even without the omicron variation, say Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, “because we still have [delta] cases circulating in this country. “
While you usually don’t need to wear a mask outdoors, it makes sense if you’re in a crowd and you don’t know the immunization status of those around you, Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Chairman of the public health committee of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, during a news conference on Thursday.
Do I need to upgrade to N95, KN95 or similar high protection respirator?
While three-layer cloth masks or surgical masks do a good job of preventing the wearer from spreading infectious particles if they fit snugly and also provide the wearer with some protection, many experts think they will. it is better to use the N95 or KN95 respirator in crowded indoor public spaces.
This is especially important if you are at high risk. “If the people around you are not wearing masks and you are elderly or you have a weakened immune system, then you should consider upping the mask game and using an N95 mask,” says Frieden.
Karan of Stanford University suggests that people with other underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk — such as obesity, lung disease or poorly controlled diabetes — should also consider upgrading to a face mask. High quality N95 or KN95.
And, if you live with people at risk, consider upgrading your mask, says Karan. Gandhi noted: Wearing a double mask with a surgical mask and a cloth mask will also increase your protection.
Should I cancel my vacation travel plans?
Dr. Henry Wu, director of the Emory TravelWell Center and an associate professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine. “Anyone thinking of traveling should stop and consider both your own risk, as well as some other practical issues with your destination.”
For starters, the US is now require all travelers entering the United States. from abroad, including returning Americans, to be tested for coronavirus no more than one day before departure. If you’re in another country, you’ll have to make sure you know where to get it eligibility test within that timeframe, can be a logistical headache.
And remember, the situation on the ground is changing, so stay tuned for CDC travel announcements. “You definitely want to avoid traveling to countries that are experiencing spikes and potentially overwhelmed health systems. You certainly don’t want to risk going to an overcrowded hospital if you have a problem. own health issue, COVID or not,” said Wu.
Domestic travelers aren’t required to do a pre-flight check, but it’s still a good idea to do before departure and after arrival – especially if you’re visiting someone in a high-risk group. That’s what Wu plans to do when visiting elderly parents in Hawaii next week. “I’m going, although it’s not required, to test myself before the trip, and I think I’ll bring some self-testing kits when I get home, just to be more sure I’m not infected. at that time,” he said.
If you’re unvaccinated, are over 65, or have medical conditions that put you at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, you should seriously reconsider if now is the right time to take action, says Wu. travel, Wu said.
And of course, if you’re flying or taking public transport to your destination, wear a high-quality, tight-fitting mask like an N95 or KN95.
With all the fear that omicrons might evade our vaccines, should I bother getting a booster shot?
The Biden administration released this week urging people to once again use a booster to help protect against omicrons. Recommendations are consistent with recent science showing that boosters raise your antibody levels.
Dr Kavita Patel, a non-resident fellow at the Brookings Institution and primary care physician, said a recent study even showed that giving a third dose of an mRNA vaccine can “create a response” much broader immune response”. This could provide broader coverage of a variant like the omicron, she said, “which is why I think you’re hearing some of us, many doctors, paramedics. public health, scientists say boosters work.”
Paul Bieniasz is a virologist at Rockefeller University who studies how the immune system’s response expands over time, and he concurs. “I’m someone who’s been vaccinated three times, and I think that’s absolutely the right way to go,” he said.
“I think anyone around immunocompromised people should absolutely be assured that they will strengthen their health,” Gandhi said. “I’m really not going to get a booster shot because I’m against universal vaccine equity. And I’m only getting one because I need to be with my immunocompromised father.”
Is it safe to hold a large, indoor social gathering, such as a holiday party? Should all guests test first?
Safety is important, but so is getting together with loved ones at this time of year, and there are steps you can take to reduce the risk to everyone. “What we need to do is add more layers of protection,” Vaishampayan.
First, Karan says, make sure everyone present has been vaccinated against COVID-19 and get a booster shot if they’re eligible.
If you have access to rapid antigen tests, ask your guests to take one, especially if they are from other parts of the country. “It’s a great way to prevent someone infected from entering and infecting others,” said Dr Carlos Del Rio, an infectious disease expert at Emory University. told reporters this week.
As Karan notes, “testing is really a snapshot in time,” so make sure guests test on the actual focus day if possible. That’s because if a person is recently exposed and the virus is still incubating, a person can test negative one day and positive the next.
However, rapid antigen testing is not cheap. Even the cheapest will cost you about $12 per test – if you can find one. The Biden Administration this week announced have a plan to solve that problem: People with private health insurance will be able to get reimbursement for home testing, and health clinics will offer free tests to those without insurance. In the meantime, if you have to split rations, Gandhi suggests making it a priority to test anyone who is unvaccinated or vaccinated but has symptoms.
If the weather permits, it doesn’t hurt to move the party outdoors, Vaishampayan. At the very least, think about ways to improve ventilation in your home – by opening windows when the temperature allows, for example.
And if you’re an immunocompromised guest, go to well-ventilated areas and wear a mask unless you’re eating or drinking, Gandhi said. Or consider skipping large gatherings, says Karan. “If you have a high-risk person at home, this is probably not the time for large gatherings because the vaccines here don’t completely stop transmission, they just reduce the chance of it happening. ,” said Karan.
Should I stop eating indoors at restaurants?
Wu says there is no clear answer for everyone or every situation. “I really just evaluate each situation individually,” he says. You should consider the level of transmission in your community, whether there is good ventilation, and above all the risk to you or those you live with or spend time with.
Wu says when he has a meeting at a restaurant, “I quickly assess how crowded it is, how good the ventilation is, and if it seems risky and I can pass, I will definitely do.”
If you really want to play it safe, Karan says, skip the indoor meal until scientists know more about omicrons. If you decide to dine in the house, he says strengthen your strength for better protection. But his best advice? “Be conservative now.”
