While it seemed like things were back to normal and COVID-19 was behind us, that’s not the reality. The virus has not been eradicated and we are seeing an increase in cases in the United States. In addition, we recently reached a sad new milestone of more than 1 million U.S. virus-related deaths. With more people getting infected daily, Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, director of medical and emergency care at Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital who has been treating patients with COVID since the beginning, shares the latest news about COVID and places to avoid in an effort to help prevent contracting the virus. Keep reading and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these sure signs that you have already had COVID.
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Dr. Curry-Winchell says, “At the moment, there is another increase in the United States. The new dominant strain is BA.212.1 and has been shown to be approximately 30% more infectious (more contagious) than BA. 2. Symptoms can range from mild to moderate to severe, requiring hospitalization, and a common myth is that you cannot get COVID more than once. tin grab it more than once “.
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“It’s because the new variants are easily transmitted,” says Dr. Curry-Winchell. “The chances of getting COVID if you are not vaccinated or vaccinated and not boosted are very high. The removal of the mask guidelines has also allowed this new variant to spread easily causing new infections and reinfections.”
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According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, “A study from the University of Bristol in England recently found that coronavirus loses most of its ability to be transmitted from one person to another 20 minutes after it passes into the air. “The virus can survive for up to 3 days on a non – porous surface,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Dr. Curry-Winchell shares: “Indoor areas are not always well ventilated, which can increase your COVID recruitment. The more air available at your event or meeting can help reduce your risk of encountering the virus.” .
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Dr. Curry-Winchell reminds us: “If you attend an event, you may be exposed to the virus due to the large volume of people in one area. Your risk may also increase depending on the vaccination status of others. which is often unknown at large meetings. “
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Dr. Curry-Winchell warns: “If you attend an event such as a live theater show, your risk of exposure to COVID could increase due to the screams / screams that often occur with live theater. a mask in a ventilated theater can help reduce your risks “.
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Even though the mask warrants have been lifted, you may want to reconsider taking one to the store and to any other place where you are around a lot of people, as cases are on the rise. That said, “it’s important to wear an N95 or K95 as a protective layer for new variants,” Dr. Curry-Winchell reminds us. “The traditional surgical mask is not protective against new variants.”
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You may want to pause your gym subscription again. Dr. Curry-Winchell says: “Exercise is good for the soul and mind, but it often involves heavy breathing. During the increase if exercising indoors with a K95 or N95 could reduce the risk of the virus “.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
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Follow the basics of public health and help end this pandemic, wherever you live: get vaccinated or strengthened as soon as possible; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear a N95 mask, do not travel, social distancing, avoid large crowds, do not go inside with people with whom you do not take refuge (especially in bars), practice good hygiene hands, and to protect your life and the lives of others, do not visit any of them 35 sites where COVID is most likely to spread.
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather is currently freelance for various publications. Read more