An informed guide to the pandemic, with the latest developments and expert advice about prevention and treatment. |
(Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.) |
 | | The New York Times |
|
 | | The U.S. is seeing early signs.Scott McIntyre for The New York Times |
|
Preparing for the next wave |
Just when the Omicron wave seems to have died down in the U.S., experts are already warning about the next surge of cases — this time driven by the highly infectious subvariant BA.2. |
It's still early days, but there are signs that the next wave may already be upon us. Researchers have seen an uptick in cases in the U.S., and they've detected a rise in the viral particles recovered from nearly 150 wastewater-surveillance sites. |
Pay attention to Covid indicators in your community. |
An easy way to do this is to check the color-coded map from the C.D.C. that shows community levels of Covid. As the map shifts to yellow or orange in your area, it's time to take extra precautions, including donning masks in public spaces and rethinking large indoor gatherings where you don't know the vaccination status of others. |
Have high-quality masks on hand. |
A limited number of free N95 respirator masks are available at pharmacies and community centers. Enter your ZIP code on the C.D.C.'s mask locator site to find a participating distributor. If you want to buy additional masks, use our guide to avoid counterfeits. |
Get home Covid tests sooner rather than later. |
Order them now — for free from the government — before the weather turns warm. The tests can be damaged by heat, and you don't want yours sitting for hours in a mail truck on a hot day. People with health insurance can also be reimbursed for eight free tests a month. |
Get a booster (when you're eligible). |
Federal regulators authorized a second booster for everyone 50 and older and people 12 and older with certain immune deficiencies. The protective antibodies from a vaccine or an infection tend to wane in four or five months, and a well-timed booster shot can help the body bump up its antibody defenses. |
It's a small device that clips on your finger and measures your blood oxygen levels. When levels drop to 92 or lower, patients should see a doctor. Low oxygen can be a sign of Covid pneumonia and may raise your risk for serious complications. One warning: The devices can be less reliable for people with darker skin. |
Make a plan for antiviral drug treatment. |
Two oral antiviral therapies are available for high-risk patients with a prescription: Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, is available for people 12 and older and Molnupiravir, developed by Merck, is available for adults 18 and older. |
Check with your doctor to make sure you can receive the medication should you fall ill. Or, look up qualified health centers near you that have authorized medical providers so you can get tested and, if positive, receive antiviral medication on the spot. |
People who are immunocompromised should also talk to their doctors about Evusheld, an antiviral drug from AstraZeneca that can be given by injection to provide an additional layer of protection on top of vaccines. |
Have backup plans for social events and travel. |
If you're hosting a large event, have an outdoor backup plan if case numbers spike. Before traveling, do a little research on clinics and pharmacies at your destination so you know whether you can receive antiviral drugs. Make sure you have extra funds or plenty of room on your credit card in case you need to extend your trip to recover from Covid. |
Before we move on, a farewell. Tara is leaving The Times. She's a generous colleague who would always jump on the phone and offer thoughtful advice for readers of this newsletter — even when she was also on deadline. We want to thank her for her many contributions and wish her the best of luck. |
 | | Steps you're taking, or not, for the next wave.Gabby Jones for The New York Times |
|
We asked readers how they were feeling about the prospect of another wave, and how they were preparing for it. Thank you to everyone who wrote in. |
"At 78, I've stayed very close to home and garden with little interaction with others. I've loved it! I'm taking this respite in the pandemic to get some dental work done, some medical appointments including a booster shot and my hair cut, and then I'll happily go back to commune with nature and reading." — Beverly Duffield, Bountiful, Utah |
"UGH. And not just any UGH … a Charlie Brown, palm-to-face UGH. An UGH without exclamation because I'm just too tired." — Carol, Kokomo, Ind. |
"As far as I'm concerned, Covid is over. Do we talk about every wave of the flu? No, it's a normal occurrence each year. I do everything I can, like I did before Covid." — Donna Witte, Merritt Island, Fla. |
"As caregiver for my 66-year-old disabled sister who has serious health issues, another wave not only means more isolation with fear and anxiety, but now I no longer feel any community support, with no one wearing masks anymore and just acting like everything is back to normal." — Beth Steelman, Island Lake, Ill. |
"I work in the World Trade Center and have been overjoyed with being able to go back into the office. If another wave hit, I'd be devastated. Trains have been fuller, lunch spots have lines around the corner and there is a sense of optimism that I don't think anyone is willing to give up so easily. I'm not willing to stay home all week again." — Sally, New York, N.Y. |
"Covid fatigue. I have followed the science and taken all mandated precautions. I do not wear a mask when it is not mandated. When mandated I comply out of respect for others' immunity challenges, but that is wearing thin. I am tired and losing interest." — Jeff W., Santa Cruz, Calif. |
"Preparing to explain to my friends and family, yet again, why I don't want to go to a movie, the mall or out to eat — and seeing the distant looks on their faces — is the hard part. As a young person with chronic illness, I can't think of many activities from the 'before times' that are worth the risk of long Covid. Navigating health issues at a young age is lonely — and navigating them during the pandemic has been even lonelier." — Jenny, Minnesota |
What else we're following |
Let us know how you're dealing with the pandemic. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment