Latest

St. Patrick’s Day parties are ripe for spreading coronavirus variants. Don’t let that happen

Published

4 months ago

October 5, 2022

[ad_1]

While St. Patrick’s Day holidays can pass, infections don’t have to be necessary. Here’s what you need to know before thinking about roasting green beer with strangers:

Scientists are worried several new variants circulating in the US.

Study: The coronavirus variant first identified in the UK appears to be more deadly

Most worrying is strain B.1.1.7, said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the Baylor College of Medicine’s National School of Tropical Medicine.

This variant was first detected in the United Kingdom, but has already spread to at least 48 states in the United States, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico.

Research shows that in the US, the variant is 59% to 74% more transmissible than the original coronavirus novel.

And new research suggests that strain B.1.1.7 isn’t just more contagious: it could also be more deadly.

Some states have abandoned mask mandates, which could increase their spread

Despite warnings from health experts, some rulers have set aside their mask mandates.

Greg Abbott's unscientific decision to end the Texas mask's term

Texas and Mississippi have recently removed their mask rules, which has already caused it problems for companies trying to keep their employees and customers safe.

Hotez, who lives in Houston, said abandoning a mask warrant in his state will have a ripple effect across the country.

“It’s going to accelerate Covid-19 nationally,” he said.

You cannot have a negative test result to be sure

If you plan to take the test (or ask your guests to take the test), you may end up with a false sense of security.

Tests can lead to false negative results, especially if you get tested too soon or too late and not quarantined strictly before and after the test.

And yes, it could even be contagious asymptomatic and a negative test result.

Young people are definitely not immune

Although young people may be more likely to be asymptomatic when they are infected, it also means they can easily spread the virus to friends and family without realizing it.

I can’t shake Covid-19: warnings of young survivors still suffering

But even young adults, so far healthy, have suffered long-term complications from Covid-19.

According to a CDC study, in a survey, 35% of Covid-19 survivors still had symptoms two to three weeks after testing.

A la Age group from 18 to 34 years, 26% said they still had symptoms weeks later.

Some young people have had problems with complications months after infection, such as shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, brain fog, long-term fever, cough, memory loss and inability to taste or smell.

You asked us, we are answering: Your main questions about Covid-19 and vaccines

Alcohol plus parties often equate to zero protection

Attempts to distance themselves and wear masks physically usually go out the party window where there is alcohol.

Not only does drinking make people take off their masks (if they wear any). Alcohol can bring people closer than usual, Hotez said.

“So this is not the time to have a superextension event for this UK variant,” Hotez said.

Pandemic fatigue is real, but totally defeatable

Not celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the way you want it may seem like another disappointment after a year of sacrifices. But there will be many more chances to party after everyone gets vaccinated.

“The best thing that can be done right now is to avoid big trips unless you have been vaccinated or have been recently infected,” Hotez said. “Just try to keep the lid on as much as we can until we can vaccinate completely.”

Most states still require masks to combat the spread of Covid-19

Unfortunately, the vast majority of young people have not been vaccinated against Covid-19. But there is good news on the horizon:

– If enough people are vaccinated, it will probably be the last year of major Covid-19 outages.

– Current vaccines “work very well” against the worrying variant B.1.1.7, Hotez said.

– President Joe Biden said recently that an increase in supply means there could be enough vaccine for all American adults in late May.

– The faster we vaccinate and control Covid-19, the faster we can return to normal life.

For those trying to find a safe way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the CDC has several suggestions, including outdoor neighborhood parties with everyone at a minimum distance of 6 feet and with masks.

.

[ad_2]