This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are eager to gather with loved ones, but the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic requires us to be cautious. Dr. Nuzzo and Dr. Morrison offer valuable insights on how to celebrate safely.
Dr. Nuzzo recommends using rapid tests, especially before gatherings, as lab-based tests can be unpredictable. While rapid tests are not perfect, they can provide a good assessment of your status at the time of testing. Dr. Nuzzo suggests testing on the day of the gathering or a couple of days before to improve reliability.
Dr. Morrison emphasizes that even fully vaccinated individuals can still get infected, but the good news is that breakthrough cases are often mild and resolve quickly in vaccinated people. To minimize risk, Dr. Morrison suggests taking rapid tests before gatherings, especially for those who may have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
Addressing Concerns about New Variants ¶
Michael James Wilson from New Jersey asks about the concern of a new, more dangerous variant, given the neglected vaccination efforts in the undeveloped world and the sizable proportion of unvaccinated U.S. citizens.
Dr. Nuzzo acknowledges the concern, emphasizing the importance of improving access to and uptake of first and second vaccine doses to end worries about the pandemic. Dr. Morrison adds that viruses can only mutate when they replicate inside cells, and unvaccinated individuals provide a breeding ground for new mutations.
Looking Ahead to Better Times ¶
Veronica Hansen from Washington asks about a low estimate of infections going into the winter and if there's any good news on the horizon.
Dr. Marr notes that the number of new cases has leveled off, but with winter and holiday travel, we may be stuck at this stage for a couple of months. However, the good news is that kids ages 5 to 11 can now get vaccinated, which will help protect them and reduce community spread.
