Four years ago today the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. We have certainly come a long way from those early days. Vaccines and therapeutic treatments have been life changing. However in the US there are still about 2000 deaths from COVID weekly. This largely affects people over the age of 75 and immunocompromised people.
What are the symptoms of COVID? When should I test for COVID?
Symptoms can vary widely. Most people will exhibit signs of a mild upper respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, runny nose, cough, congestion. Some people may experience moderate or severe respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath, trouble breathing) that can lead to a need for hospitalization. You should test for COVID if you have concerning symptoms or you might be visiting friends/family at higher risk for severe disease. Testing kits are still available over the counter.
What are risk factors for severe disease?
For most people COVID infection will be mild and feel much like a typical cold or flu. For some people COVID infection can be very severe or lead to long recovery syndrome. You may be at risk for severe disease if:
Have not kept up to date with vaccination
Are older than 80 years of age
Have high risk comorbidities/illness (ie. history of stroke, HIV, heart conditions, obesity, liver disease, cancer, asthma/COPD, diabetes, history solid organ transplant, etc.)
Do masks help?
Mask wearing is still a helpful prevention strategy and should be considered when circulating virus is at high level in the community or the person is at risk for severe illness. Mask selection is important. It should fit snuggly around the face and have high level of air filtration (N95, KN95 - produced by a reputable source). Cloth masks are not a very effective protective strategy.
Should I get a spring vaccine booster dose?
The recommendation released by CDC on Feb 28, 2024 was:
"Data continues to show the importance of vaccination to protect those most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. An additional dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine may restore protection that has waned since a fall vaccine dose, providing increased protection to adults ages 65 years and older"
So the answer is yes...if you are older than age 65, I would recommend you recieve and updated booster.
If you are an older adult interested in recieving your primary care (and COVID boosters) directly to your home and live in the Bangor, ME area - please reach out to get scheduled for an appointment today.
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