at this point, Omicron coronavirus mutant More contagious than previous versions of the virus — already infected Detected in all 50 states We already have a record number of cases in some parts of the country.But what does that mean? Everyone Need to get ready to get COVID-19 now?
Still, experts say. Many of us can be exposed, but whether or not we are infected with the virus depends on both public health policies and individual behavior.
I expect it to be exposed, but it is not always infected.
During the pandemic, and especially now that the highly infectious Omicron variant has been inherited, we should expect to be exposed to the virus at some point, Bernard, director of infection prevention and medical care at Mount Sinai Health System. Dr. Camins said today.
“I’ve told anyone who will hear this: it doesn’t matter If You are exposed to Omicron variants or other variants of coronavirus, that’s a problem when“He said. It may not be this week or next year, but in the end “everyone will encounter someone with a COVID infection,” Cummins said.
However, exposure to the virus does not mean that you will be infected.
“I don’t think it’s a natural conclusion that everyone is infected with COVID-19,” said David Gefen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Infectious Diseases and Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. Dr. Otto Yang. Said today.
“It really depends on what we do with respect to public health reactions and vaccinations,” he said, and preventative measures such as masking and social distance.
The biggest difference between vaccination and boosting is.
Get Fully vaccinated and boosted Ultimately, there is a difference between exposure and infection, and between mild and severe cases of COVID-19.
“It’s very similar to how people who get a booster have protection against getting it,” Yang said. and, Omicron-specific booster One way to make vaccination more effective against breakthrough infections involves the following possible variants:
“Sure, your results will depend on your vaccination status … you will find that those who are vaccinated and boosted have less serious consequences and are at less risk of death.” Dr. Rochelle Warrensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prevention told Craig Melvin this week today. “There will be breakthrough cases of Omicron, but vaccination and boosting will certainly calm them down.”
If you have a breakthrough infection, don’t panic.
According to Camins, even fully vaccinated people may find it beneficial to be mentally prepared to be positive at some point in the future. If you test positive at this point as a fully vaccinated person, you need to be “worried” but not “feared”. Advise your doctor to contact you and monitor your symptoms.Remember what most people are experiencing Mild symptoms due to Omicron..
It was “always a possibility” People vaccinated to get COVID-19Said Yang.
I agree with that possibility — and now the reality of getting COVID-19 as a vaccinated person Not the same as March 2020 — Part of the adaptation of the pandemic to this stage.
We now have vaccines, boosters, better ones ( Still missing) Access to rapid inspection, and immediately verbal Antiviral drug we You can take it home.. Having all these tools does not mean that COVID-19 is not yet dangerous or that people should not take any precautions they can take to protect themselves. But that means that many of us can take more calculated risk than previous pandemics.
For some professionals, learning to live with COVID-19 means changing this mindset. It also means knowing that the virus is likely to be with us for a long time. But still, like seasonal flu, it will kill some people each year, Cummins said.
“Prefer no Learn to live with COVID. I want to get rid of it, and in theory it’s possible, “Yan said. The scenario I’m expecting is executed The number of cases of COVID has been significantly reduced, there are small outbreaks here and there, they are easily contained and most people are not exposed. “
No matter what happens at Omicron, it is clear that COVID-19 will exist in our lives for some time. And most of us come into contact with the virus someday, which does not mean that we are infected or show severe symptoms.