Helpful tips as COVID activity increases in Kentucky – The Advocate-Messenger

By Takaaki Kobayashi, MD

UK HealthCare Infection Control and Prevention Department

Recent headlines about a rise in local COVID-19 cases may bring back bad memories.

COVID-19 activity in Kentucky has been increasing in recent weeks, according to careful monitoring of hospitalizations. There’s no need to panic — but maybe it’s time for a quick refresher.

Our knowledge about COVID-19, the possible preventive measures and the effective treatment options for those affected have steadily improved over time.

Latest vaccine is imminent

Like other viruses, the virus behind COVID has evolved and the dominant strains infecting many Americans today belong to the omicron lineage. The latest vaccine, specifically designed to combat the new dominant variants, is expected to hit the market in late August and September.

It is recommended that everyone aged six months and older be vaccinated. Protection against COVID-19 from previous vaccinations or previous COVID-19 illness decreases over time.

Vaccination is not a guarantee that you will not get sick, but it does significantly reduce your risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease.

Consider getting a flu shot at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccination. Flu season is upon us. Older adults and pregnant women may also want to consider getting a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.

Further recommendations

A spike in COVID cases during the summer was expected, but the severity has yet to be determined. With school starting again, it is important that parents and students remember proper handwashing technique and stay home if they feel sick. In addition, wearing a mask can help lower the risk of virus transmission by reducing the spread of the virus by infected people and protecting wearers from inhaling infectious particles from others.

These precautions will help protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that are common in crowded environments such as classrooms.

Since March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people who have symptoms of a respiratory infection (cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, etc.) stay home and away from others. You can resume your normal activities once symptoms improve and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

It’s important to note that even if you’re feeling better, you can still spread the virus that made you sick. For the next 5 days, take extra precautions such as improving air circulation, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining a safe distance from others.

Other frequently asked questions about COVID

Is Paxlovid still effective against the newer COVID strains?

• Paxlovid remains effective against the new COVID variants. It is only recommended for people at high risk for severe disease and only within 5 days of symptom onset.

How severe is the disease caused by the new variant?

• The current variants are more contagious than previous strains, but do not appear to cause more severe disease.

If I have already had COVID-19 and have recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19?

• Yes. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 after recovery provides additional protection.