COVID-19 rates are rising across the country and in many parts of the world, making it more critical than ever to protect ourselves and others. The greatest defence against COVID-19 is a multi-layered approach, beginning with vaccines and boosters for everyone who is eligible.
People who have been vaccinated and boosted are significantly more protected from serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, is at risk of contracting a highly contagious variation like Omicron if they contract it. Experts estimate that if we all agree to follow mask rules and other conventional preventive measures in places where vaccination rates are low or COVID cases are on the rise, we can save thousands of lives and help limit the pandemic.
Why do we think masks are effective?
The benefits of medical and nonmedical masks are backed up by a growing amount of information. These reviews (here and here) and observational studies (here, here, here, and here) provide some of the most compelling evidence that wearing a mask reduces infection rates. Masks help trap bigger respiratory droplets as well as some of the smaller particles known as aerosols, as shown in this graphic from the New York Times.
Wearing a mask can help protect you from viruses that spread through the air, such as COVID-19 and colds and flu. Some individuals believe that masks trap CO2 or limit the amount of oxygen inhaled. This is not the case. When you breathe out through a mask, CO2 escapes; when you breathe in, oxygen enters.
There is no such thing as a perfect or definitive study; in fact, such studies would be impossible to conduct. However, there is a lot to be said about wearing a mask, and there is little to no evidence that it causes harm.
What is the best type of mask?
Wear the most protective mask you can find, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Wearing masks that filter out very minute particles on a regular basis provides the best protection against highly contagious versions like Omicron. Some examples are:
N95 masks, which are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), are comparable to KN95 masks, which are certified in China but not by NIOSH.
Counterfeit N95 and KN95 masks have become all too popular. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some helpful tips on how to recognize fake masks.
Surgical masks are useful, but they are less protective, mainly because of their loose fit. If you're using surgical or cotton masks, some experts recommend double-masking.
What about tightly woven cloth masks that totally cover the nose and mouth, have a wire bridge, and at least two layers of washable, breathable fabric? Gaiters and bandanas may provide little protection and aren't usually the first choice because they weren't designed to provide tight facial coverage and may only have one layer.
Virus particles can more easily escape through masks with vents or valves, hence they are discouraged.
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COVID-19 is at alarming rates in parts of the world. Therefore, maintaining a strong immune system has taken on new significance as many of us wish to avoid the flu and winter colds, as well as concerning strains of the virus that causes COVID-19, whether Delta or Omicron.
Unsurprisingly, marketers are capitalizing on our anxieties. A small business has sprung up around chewable, pills, and powders claiming to "boost" or "support" your immune system. Some even assert that proper food and physical exercise are all that are truly necessary to avoid illness. However, are any of these assertions true?
Unsurprisingly, marketers are capitalizing on our anxieties. A small business has sprung up around chewable, pills, and powders claiming to "boost" or "support" your immune system. Some even assert that proper food and physical exercise are all that are truly necessary to avoid illness. However, are any of these assertions true?
The most effective ways for maintaining good health
Questions concerning which mask to wear are becoming more prevalent as the Omicron variant spreads.
As the Omicron variant grows in popularity, new concerns about the ideal mask to wear for safety are being raised.
"Numerous studies have demonstrated that surgical masks are superior to cloth masks in terms of respiratory protection. More protection can be obtained by wearing surgical masks that are the proper size for the wearer and can be pinch-tightened.
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| Surgical mask |
As long as they contain at least two layers and cover your nose and mouth, cloth masks can be useful but a surgical mask is better.
N95 and KN95 masks are the most effective, however, they aren't absolutely necessary for everyone. For the most part, these are used in healthcare facilities.
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| N95 mask |
Nothing, not even face masks, is going to be able to completely shield you from the virus.
Everyone says, 'Well, there are vaccinated persons getting the virus as well.' As long as you've had your shots, you're unlikely to become infected, although it's not uncommon for unvaccinated persons to do so.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Melody Jacob Health Team at godisablej66@gmail.com.
Pexel photos
What is Omicron?
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a variant of SARS-CoV-2. It was initially reported to the World Health Organization on 24 November 2021 by South Africa. The WHO identified it as a variation of concern on 26 November 2021, renaming it "Omicron," the fifteenth letter in the Greek alphabet.
WHO has designated the Omicron variation of COVID-19 as a variant of concern due to evidence that it contains numerous mutations that may affect how it acts. There is still considerable mystery around Omicron, and extensive study is being conducted to determine its transmissibility, severity, and risk of reinfection.
The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) told parents on Thursday evening that classes will be canceled for the third day in a row on Friday due to a failure to reach an agreement between the district and the Chicago Teachers Union.
"On Friday, January 7, CPS classes will be canceled. Tomorrow, a limited number of schools may offer in-person learning and activities. Please wait until you hear from your child's principal before sending your child to school "In a communication to parents, the district stated.
Gov. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire announced the deployment of another 100 National Guard personnel to assist the state's healthcare system in the wake of an increase in Covid-19 cases.
Sununu stated at a Covid-19 news briefing on Thursday that some 30 guard members will be dispatched to long-term care facilities and 70 to hospitals that provide critical care.
According to data provided by the state's health department, new daily cases during the preceding seven days averaged 1,766 new infections, a 55 percent rise compared to the previous seven-day period.
Sununu said in early December that 70 National Guard personnel would be deployed to assist hospitals in areas where the need is greatest, aiding with activities that will allow for a more efficient operation.
Louisiana sets a new state record for daily Covid-19 cases.
At least 14,077 Covid-19 cases were recorded in Louisiana on Thursday, a new high for the state in a 24-hour period, according to Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Do not go to the emergency room for Covid-19 testing, according to Louisiana State Health Officer and Medical Director Dr. Joseph Kanter, to avoid further burdening hospitals.
He agreed that take-home tests can be difficult to come by in the state, but said that PCR testing laboratories are open and available and that if someone has symptoms and is unable to obtain a test, they should presume they have Covid-19.
"In the context of the current spike, if someone is seeking for an antigen test, a take-home test, and they can't locate it, but they have symptoms, they should just presume they have Covid and isolate accordingly," Kanter said. "If you have trouble getting a test, especially a take-home test, and you have symptoms, the prudent thing to do is just assume you have Covid and isolate away from other people when you're in a surge like we are right now and Covid is everywhere—and it is everywhere right now—the prudent thing to do is just assume you have Covid and isolate away from other people." Right now, that's the safest option."
Here's some background: According to the governor, 1,412 people have been hospitalized in Louisiana due to Covid-19, an increase of 125 since Wednesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States will conduct a media briefing on Friday to provide updates on the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will talk at 11 a.m. ET.
Peru raised its coronavirus pandemic alert level to high and will implement new restrictions starting Friday, including a curfew in 25 provinces, according to state news agency Andina.
Peru detected its first four cases of the Omicron variant in the country on Dec.19 and is dealing with a "third wave" of infections, state media said.
The new restrictions include a curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. local time and new capacity limits for businesses and commercial activities.
Israel intends to remove all countries from its "red" no-fly list, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. The number of infections reached a new high of 19.
Israelis will be able to travel to these countries without special permission starting at midnight local time. Vaccinated or recovered returnees will only need to self-isolate for 24 hours or until they receive a negative PCR test. Returnees who have not been vaccinated must perform a PCR test when they arrive and provide a second negative result after a week of self-isolation. Non-Israelis will be able to enter the nation again starting on Sunday, as long as they are vaccinated.
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