Pilots Prevent
February 8, 2022
After Omicron caused a meteoric surge in COVID-19 this winter, cases are finally tapering off. And most of us are vaccinated, and boosted, offering loads of protection against COVID’s worst effects (at least for the current variants). The Oregon Health Authority even announced plans to lift the indoor mask mandate by the end of March, letting businesses and communities set their own mandates as they see fit. So it seems things might soon look a lot more normal.
But COVID hasn’t been eradicated and there are still populations of people at high risk of contracting it. That means we shouldn’t let our guards down completely. Maybe that means wearing a mask in some indoor settings, even if it’s not required. Or staying vigilant about self-monitoring for symptoms. Here’s why we need to still use caution and good sense to keep the disease from spreading.
1. It’s not a cold
Yes, the symptoms might feel like a cold to some, particularly those who are vaccinated and boosted. However, unlike a cold, this disease can cause life-threatening problems—especially for those who have underlying health conditions or can’t get vaccinated. But even for those who are vaccinated, the threat is real. Dismissing it is like playing with fire. No vaccine is 100 percent effective. Studies show COVID vaccines prevent 9 out of 10 people from contracting a serious enough case that lands them in the hospital. But don’t forget: one person will. That could be you.
2. It can result in long covid
Scientists still don’t know what causes “long Covid," a condition that can have debilitating symptoms that last for weeks or months on end, things like chronic shortness of breath, severe fatigue, dizziness, trouble concentrating, heart palpitations, muscle pain, and sleep problems. The conditions can even cause damage to your lungs, heart, and kidneys, not to mention your mental health and quality of life in general.
3.You can spread it to vulnerable people
Innocent babies and toddlers, a beloved great grandparent with diabetes or heart disease, a friend battling cancer and going through the torment of chemo. Most of us have at least one person in our lives who fits this category. These are people—loved ones—who are particularly vulnerable to contracting COVID. Right now, children under the age of 5 can’t get a vaccine. Most 5 to 11 year olds aren’t fully vaccinated yet as they await the chance to get their second dose since they only became eligible in November. Immunocompromised people, who are already dealing with so much, can get a vaccine but the American Medical Association says they often have a decreased vaccine response, so the vaccines aren’t as effective for them.
4. It stresses the health care system
Although the prevailing variant, Omicron, sent fewer people to the hospital than previous variants, and more people have the protection of being fully vaccinated, some people who contract COVID will still end up needing hospitalization. That just adds to an already heavy load. Hospitals are struggling with staffing shortages whether it’s from burnout or because staff have been exposed to COVID or have a family member who was. And when hospitals have to make room for critically ill COVID patients, they have less room for anyone else who needs care. Surgeries often get postponed, which can result in even bigger health issues later.
5. It opens the door to new variants
Variants can develop with each transmission. The absolute best way to keep COVID-19 under control is to keep it from spreading. Vaccines help reduce the transmission, and so does using good judgment when in shared spaces. If you’re feeling sick, stay home. If you’re going to be around unvaccinated or vulnerable people, stay masked. Practice good hand hygiene. And continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and University of Portland’s COVID-19 protocols.
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