Covid-19 in winter: How to prepare for the colder months
A surge is inevitable? How should families think about the winter ahead? What can they do to prepare and get through this phase safely?
I discussed all of these questions with our expert, Dr. Leana Wen, CNN Medical Analyst, emergency physician, and professor of health policy and management at the School of Public Health. Milken Public, George Washington University. She is also the author of the new book, “Lifelines: A Doctor’s Journey in the Battle for Public Health,” and a mother of two.
Dr. Leana Wen: Are not. If there’s anything we’ve learned from the pandemic, it’s the unforeseeable future. There are many things that are up to us.
Yes, we are dealing with a very contagious virus, the Delta variant of the coronavirus. Yes, we regret seeing an increase in cases. And yes, I’m worried about what’s going to happen this winter, because we’ve seen since last year that when the weather gets colder, people go indoors, where the risk of transmission is higher. The upcoming holidays also worry me, because of the increase in indoor gatherings.
However, unlike last year, we have vaccines that add an important layer of protection. We also have other tools, like testing, that can help.
I don’t think we need to put up with a winter spike. We can prevent it if we work together.
CNN: What’s your advice to families to try to stay as healthy as possible this winter?
Let’s also talk about the non-coronavirus aspects of health. To start, make sure you have a flu shot. It can be given at the same time as the coronavirus vaccine or booster. The flu vaccine reduces your chances of getting the flu and its severity if you still get the flu. This is especially important because last year was a mild flu season, which means many people have no immunity to the flu. We want to prevent a “twin” of flu and Covid-19.
CNN: Are there any supplies that you would recommend people stock up on, in view of Covid-19?
Hi beauty: All households should have a standard set of supplies when caring for sick family members. That includes a thermometer, fever reducers (acetaminophen and ibuprofen), and rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte).
High-quality masks (N95, KN95, KF94) are now widely available. Make sure to have at least five masks for every family member. These should be worn indoors, in crowded areas.
I also strongly recommend stocking up for quick tests. Your family should have at least one, ideally two, rapid tests for every family member. These are tests that are available to buy over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Results will be available within 15 minutes. That is different from the gold standard test, the PCR test. In many places, you’ll need to get a doctor’s note for a PCR test, or you may need to go to an urgent care facility to be seen. That adds to the cost; Additionally, results may take 24 hours or more to return.
Because PCR testing is not readily available, rapid testing can be helpful if someone starts to have symptoms, especially if it takes time to do a PCR test and then get results. Quick tests are also useful for screening purposes, such as before you meet friends and family members.
CNN: What do you say to people who are really sick with Covid-19 and want to get back to pre-pandemic normal?
Hi beauty: I want to say I hear you! I’m sick of Covid-19 too – we all are.
Here’s the problem, though – Covid-19 isn’t done with us yet. We still have more than 80,000 new infections daily and more than 1,100 Americans die every day from coronavirus. We’re in a much better position than we were last year, thanks to the vaccine, but we’re not out of the woods yet.
That said, there is a lot that we can continue to do to try to return to normalcy. Consider making a list of all the things you want to do. Go through the list and see how much can really be done right now, with improved safety.
I know that the pandemic has been difficult for so many families. We can get through this winter – if we all work together to reduce the risk, while also restarting the activities we miss the most.