I'm a Doctor and Here's How to Not Catch Delta
We are all tired of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some of us just want our pre-COVID lives back. But with the Delta variant on the rise, there's only one smart thing to do: Do Not Catch Delta.
Although cases are trending downward nationwide, the virus is still burning across states like Utah and Alaska, and one NEJM research paper suggests that immunized people can develop Long COVID. While we are still learning more about the long-lasting effects of the coronavirus infection, remember: Getting vaccinated is important, but avoiding infection is essential as well. (Long COVID symptoms can vary from fatigue to incapacitating brain fog.)
Masks offer protection against infection, and the vaccines protect people from developing severe disease and death. Read on for the proven ways to avoid Delta—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You Have "Long" COVID and May Not Even Know It.
Get Fully Vaccinated
Immunizations have been the best medicines humans ever created. The United States has two vaccines that currently have a 95 percent mortality decrease. This is far superior to every other strategy we've tried to avoid hospitalizations and deaths so far. Beyond the reduction in mortality for the person who has been vaccinated, if infected the disease is milder. Get fully vaccinated to protect yourself from death and disease.
Wear N95 or KN95 Masks
Avoid Indoors
Many cities are now issuing mask mandates and some don't know what to do. Masks are one of the most disputed articles in history but also can save lives. They prevent you from an infection. Yes, masks work but some are better than others. They should keep your nose and mouth from being exposed to the coronavirus. The virus is in the air, so if the air you are breathing is not being filtered by the mask, you are exposed. Preventing Delta requires a good quality mask. Bandanas and simple cloth masks are not very good at protecting. To prevent yourself from this respiratory virus, the best strategy is to wear a mask at all times outside your house.
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Don't Share Quarters
Given the outbreaks in Provincetown, the CDC changed its guidance.
One of the many problems in those clusters was that many were sharing dormitories and bedrooms with folks from all over the country. It's understandable, given the previous quarantining guidance that folks were excited to travel. But avoid sharing your bedroom with others. Humans usually sleep eight hours a day, and that time you will spend breathing with someone else. If they are carrying the virus, you will likely catch it.
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Avoid Public Spaces
Yes, parties are fun and outdoor venues during the summer sound perfect. But cases of the coronavirus are stretching the healthcare system. What it means is that the Country cannot afford another overload of cases. Close contact with humans is how the virus jumps and continues to live. It goes from one person to the other, from mouth to nose, from nose to nose, from mouth to mouth. It's even possible to catch it through the eyes. Events are usually crowded. If you must go to one, at least make sure it's outside.
Remember: #maskup #avoidindoors #avoidpublicspaces #getvaccinated #wearagoodmask — and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
