Stop Doing This or You Could Get Delta, Say Experts

Although COVID cases are declining nationwide, the Delta variant is still at large and remains highly contagious. That, and the fact that indoor gatherings are about to ramp up during the holiday season, means some caution is in order if you want to avoid contracting the virus. Here's what experts say you should stop doing to prevent a case of Delta COVID. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You May Have Already Had COVID.

If you've been putting off the vaccine—stop. It's time to get vaccinated. That's the main message in the CDC's guidance for holidays this year. "Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you're eligible," the CDC says.

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Getting vaccinated helps protect you against severe illness and death from COVID-19. And you're less likely to catch COVID in the first place: Unvaccinated adults are more than 6 times more likely to contract the virus and more than 11 times more likely to die from it compared to those who are fully vaccinated, the CDC says. Additionally, experts believe that vaccinated people who contract the virus (breakthrough infections) are less likely to pass it on.

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Additionally, if you're eligible for a booster shot but have been putting it off, experts say don't delay. "If you need a booster, get a booster to get ready for the holidays," Dr. Keri Althoff, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said on the Today show. "I know a lot of grandparents out there who are totally ready to have a bigger holiday celebration with their grandchildren. Everybody should do their part to come to that gathering with as much immune protection as they can bring with them."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

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If you've been going without a mask in indoor public places, stop skipping face protection if you want to avoid catching the Delta variant. The CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors if you're unvaccinated, and if you're fully vaccinated, wear a mask if you're in an area with substantial to high transmission rates.

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Follow the fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don't travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.