The Pandemic Isn't Over: Why We Must Stay Alert and Safe
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Chapter 1: The Ongoing Threat of Covid-19
Covid-19 remains a significant threat. New variants are emerging that can evade vaccine-induced immunity, and monitoring wastewater indicates increasing infection rates. It's crucial to stay alert, get vaccinated, and wear masks to protect both yourself and your community.
The latest variants, known as the FLiRT variants, are more contagious than earlier strains. As we enter another wave of Covid in the Northern Hemisphere, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted an increase in positive tests, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities.
In California, the levels of the virus detected in wastewater have consistently remained in the "very high" category. Currently, 37 states along with the District of Columbia, which houses nearly 75% of the U.S. population, are experiencing "high" or "very high" levels of the virus in wastewater samples. Other countries, like the United Kingdom and Japan, are also grappling with significant surges.
According to the LA Times, last summer's wave lasted eight weeks, while the previous year's surge extended for 16 weeks. Although the current increase isn't yet as severe as those seen in 2022, it is increasingly likely to reach or exceed those levels as the year progresses.
Despite these alarming trends, hundreds of Covid-19 related deaths continue to occur each week nationwide. Recent studies have indicated that the death toll from Covid-19 has likely been underestimated. While official federal counts report nearly 1,170,000 deaths in the U.S., excess mortality studies suggest the true number is significantly higher. Moreover, contracting Covid-19 can lead to long-term health issues, such as heightened susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.
For those keeping score, Covid-19 is still responsible for more cases and severe illnesses compared to influenza or RSV. The risk of severe illness varies by individual factors, including age and pre-existing health conditions, but in general, avoiding Covid-19 remains a wise decision. Additionally, if you have had Covid-19 previously, it’s prudent to prevent reinfection, as subsequent cases can lead to worsening outcomes.
Monitoring wastewater for Covid-19 levels has become one of the few reliable methods we have left to track the virus, especially since the CDC and local governments have largely ceased comprehensive tracking. This lack of vigilance is troubling, given the extensive death toll and ongoing mutations of the virus.
How to Protect Yourself
The first step in safeguarding your health is to ensure you receive the updated Covid-19 vaccine this fall. New variants can largely bypass immunity gained from past infections and vaccinations. For those at high risk, Paxlovid remains a recommended treatment that can significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes.
Additional safety measures include wearing masks and gathering in well-ventilated spaces. If you feel unwell, it's essential to wear a mask in public settings to protect those around you. Remember, you can be contagious at least two days before showing any symptoms, which is especially critical to keep in mind if you plan to see friends or family who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.
The shortcomings of government tracking and reporting on Covid-19 have left us with limited resources to combat the virus. Therefore, we must stay alert and continue to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our communities. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we need not remain passive.
The first video highlights the ongoing reality of the pandemic, emphasizing that just because some may feel it's over doesn't mean we should let our guard down.
The second video discusses how the pandemic is far from over, urging viewers to recognize the continued risks associated with Covid-19 and the importance of vigilance.
Chapter 2: Staying Informed and Proactive
In these uncertain times, staying informed is crucial. By taking proactive measures, you can help protect not only your health but also that of your loved ones and the wider community.
Hi there! I'm Odin Halvorson, a librarian, independent scholar, film enthusiast, fiction author, and tech lover. If you appreciate my work and wish to support me, please consider subscribing to my newsletter for just $2.50 a month! You can also help by using my affiliate link to sign up for Libro.fm, the premier audiobook platform. Interested in creating your own Ghost website? Check out MagicPages for the best rates, available through my affiliate link, including lifetime hosting options!