Keeping Your Family Safe and Healthy During the Holidays
Spending time with family is one of the most critical aspects of the holiday season. The quality time you share together allows everyone to enjoy each other’s company while creating wonderful and lasting memories for all.
However, getting together during this Coronavirus era can be tricky if you have a large family. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced recently that the Omicron variant is quickly spreading throughout the United States. It is now considered the dominant strain in the nation.
Why Is Omicron More Dominant?
While scientists are still researching Omicron’s severity, they are already sure of two reasons why this new strain is more dominant than the Delta variant. Omicron is causing more breakthrough infections, and it is highly transmissible.
Health officials are urging everyone to step up safety measures because they say the risk of someone spreading the virus to another person is three times higher than with the Delta variant.
Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk
The good news is that most of us are vaccinated, so we are in a much different place this year than in 2020. Even though vaccines will not prevent all infections, health officials say they protect against serious diseases. If you decide to get a booster shot, it will likely restore protection against infections.
Since things can change quickly, the best way to reduce risk is to stay alert for new public health guidance. Here are some things you can do to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
Consider Getting a Booster Shot
Consider getting a booster shot if you have a high risk for severe disease. A booster can help reduce your chance of catching Omicron. The two previous shots will not offer much protection from Omicron, especially if you received them over three months ago. Researchers found that Omicron can evade antibodies generated by the vaccines.
A recent study showed that boosters increase your antibodies, generate a more significant immune response, and provide more protection against infections.
Continue Wearing Your Mask in Public Places
Due to a recent spike in cases, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has mandated that Californians wear masks in public indoor settings, including workplaces, even if they’re vaccinated. The order is in effect through January 15, 2022.
This is essential if you plan to spend the holidays with vulnerable people. Health officials say vaccines are not always as protective among the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
Avoid Large Indoor Gatherings
It might be best to skip large indoor parties to avoid getting Omicron before seeing your family. New research on Omicron shows the variant can multiply in large, indoor gatherings.
If you’re at a higher health risk or have a high-risk family member, it may be best to avoid the party because vaccines don’t stop transmission completely; they only reduce the chance it can happen while lessening the severity. However, if you are determined to go, wear a mask and keep it on the entire time.
Take Precautions When Traveling
Though getting a Covid test before flying domestically within the United States is not required, it is a good idea, especially if you are visiting a family member in a high-risk group.
If you are flying internationally, the U.S. requires everyone returning home to be tested for Covid no more than one day before departure.
If you’re over age 65, unvaccinated, or have a medical condition that puts you at a high risk of severe disease, you should seriously reconsider if now is a good time to travel.
Whether you take the plane or public transportation to your final destination, consider wearing a snug-fitting, high-quality mask like a KN95 or an N95.
By prioritizing your health and safety, you and your loved ones can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
Watch YouTube Video: How Dr. Sanjay Gupta is Keeping His Family Safe from Covid-19 this Holiday. Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN discusses what you must do to keep your loved ones safe from Covid this holiday season.
Personal Injury Lawyer Sacramento
The holiday season is a busy time for many people. Dealing with an injury from an accident is the last thing you want to do. If you or a family member was hurt in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you will need the guidance of an experienced injury attorney. Call our law office today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 to speak to one of our skilled personal injury lawyers in Sacramento. We offer free, friendly, and confidential advice.
Since 1982, our legal team at AutoAccident.com has fought for Sacramento and Northern California residents to get the compensation they deserve for personal injury and wrongful death cases.
See the verdicts and settlements we have won for our clients and our reviews on Avvo, Google, and Yelp.
We are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Image by Skitterphoto on Pixabay
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