Grab your gym clothes and walking shoes because your friend is probably right. While there haven't been many studies on exercise protecting against infections, the few that exist all suggest it does.
The biggest study on this, done by Harvard Medical School, was published in JAMA Network Open in February 2024.
The study tracked almost 62,000 adults aged 45 and above from before the COVID pandemic started in early 2020 until the end of 2022. Researchers gathered information on factors like chronic diseases, income levels, and lifestyle habits that might affect the risk of infection. They also kept an eye on who got COVID-19 and how severe their symptoms were.
Out of all the participants, 69% were considered "sufficiently active," meaning they did moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes every week. Another 11% were "insufficiently active," and 20% didn't exercise at all.
The results showed that those who kept up with enough physical activity were 10% less likely to get COVID-19 and 27% less likely to be hospitalized because of the virus compared to those who didn't exercise. This protective effect was especially clear among women. Interestingly, people who exercised a little (but not enough to meet the recommended amount) didn't see much better results than those who didn't exercise at all. These findings suggest that a good amount of physical activity is needed to protect against COVID-19.
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Unfortunately, some people who "recover" from COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms that negatively impact their ability to perform at work and at home. These symptoms include exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleep. We refer to this disease as long-term COVID. It can happen to people who were very slightly affected, but it is more likely to develop in those who were sickest when they initially contracted the virus. At first, several people—including some medical professionals—thought that the patients might be lying about their illnesses or that the persistent disease was only the result of psychological issues.
After three years, it is evident that extended COVID affects tens of millions of people. According to estimates from senior Harvard economists, the United States may have to pay up to $3.7 trillion in future years for medical care for ailments related to COVID-19. The cost is probably going to be significantly higher if the millions of people who are currently afflicted with long COVID continue to suffer from the sickness for years or if long COVID turns into a chronic condition.
Finding clumps of hair in the shower drain or stuck on your hairbrush is startling. However, if you've recently had COVID-19, this upsetting hair loss is probably not a coincidence.
The phenomenon, which is a result of the global pandemic, continues to catch patients off guard. However, Harvard researchers concur with national statistics showing a sizeable number of virus-infected individuals exhibit high strand-shedding.
Along with symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, and shortness of breath, thinning hair can be a sign of a COVID bout or a less well-known sign of long-term COVID. According to Dr. Deborah Scott, co-director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital's hair loss clinic, some patients are even conspicuously losing hair as a result of dealing with the pandemic's ongoing mental and emotional stress.
It literally makes the situation worse. You have COVID-related illness first, then hair loss, according to Dr. Scott. "Several patients who had lost up to 30% of their hair came to me in tears. Most of them, I believe, were shocked to find that it was connected to COVID.
Signs on the scalp that a doctor should examine
Even if the shedding of hair waxes and wanes naturally, other symptoms of the scalp should make you visit a doctor. Harvard specialists say these include
Itching or burning, which can also indicate an inflammatory scalp condition, may be a sign of ongoing hair loss, especially six months or more after a COVID-19 infection or another physical or emotional stressor. There may also be lacklustre regrowth more obvious in women.
The phenomenon, which is a result of the global pandemic, continues to catch patients off guard. However, Harvard researchers concur with national statistics showing a sizeable number of virus-infected individuals exhibit high strand-shedding.
Along with symptoms like exhaustion, brain fog, and shortness of breath, thinning hair can be a sign of a COVID bout or a less well-known sign of long-term COVID. According to Dr. Deborah Scott, co-director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital's hair loss clinic, some patients are even conspicuously losing hair as a result of dealing with the pandemic's ongoing mental and emotional stress.
It literally makes the situation worse. You have COVID-related illness first, then hair loss, according to Dr. Scott. "Several patients who had lost up to 30% of their hair came to me in tears. Most of them, I believe, were shocked to find that it was connected to COVID.
Signs on the scalp that a doctor should examine
Even if the shedding of hair waxes and wanes naturally, other symptoms of the scalp should make you visit a doctor. Harvard specialists say these include
Itching or burning, which can also indicate an inflammatory scalp condition, may be a sign of ongoing hair loss, especially six months or more after a COVID-19 infection or another physical or emotional stressor. There may also be lacklustre regrowth more obvious in women.
COVID-related hair loss has received more attention in the research that has been published in the last two years. According to a study from 2021 that was published in The Lancet, 22% of patients with the virus who were hospitalised experienced excessive hair loss within six months of being released. In contrast, a 2020 survey of approximately 1,600 COVID survivors revealed that more than 25% experienced unexpected hair loss after healing.
Women probably pay more attention to it than men do, if only because our hair is usually longer and fuller. According to Dr. Scott, "if you're losing a lot of long hair, it's more obvious than if you're losing a lot of short hair."
However, COVID-19 is not the only illness that causes hair to thin. It is merely the most recent identified cause of the long-known medical condition known as telogen effluvium, or TE. This occurs when extreme physical or emotional stress throws off our body's natural cycle of hair growth.
Women probably pay more attention to it than men do, if only because our hair is usually longer and fuller. According to Dr. Scott, "if you're losing a lot of long hair, it's more obvious than if you're losing a lot of short hair."
However, COVID-19 is not the only illness that causes hair to thin. It is merely the most recent identified cause of the long-known medical condition known as telogen effluvium, or TE. This occurs when extreme physical or emotional stress throws off our body's natural cycle of hair growth.
It is important that we recognise the importance of properly disposing of your face mask. We didn't think it could happen in our lifetimes, but it did. The pandemic has been raging around the world since early 2020. The good news is that medical researchers have gained a better understanding of how the coronavirus operates, and they are already working on effective vaccines and treatments.
However, until that vaccine or cure becomes widely available, the best way to reduce virus spread is to wear a face mask. Wearing a face mask that covers your nose and mouth and is sealed around the sides, when combined with social distancing, can effectively protect you from the virus. The level of coronavirus protection is determined by the type of mask worn. We all know this already.
Photo by CDC
The Environmental Consequences of Improper Face Mask Disposal
Face masks, even washable ones, are frequently discarded. Unfortunately, this poses a major environmental issue. Single-use masks are made of non-woven lightweight polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyester, or polyethylene. These materials, while keeping pathogens out, are made of plastic. Plastics, as we all know, are non-biodegradable, making their disposal a major global issue.
According to recent disposal and recycling statistics, face masks have replaced "plastic bottles." According to Green Matters, over 129 billion face masks are discarded every month because of the coronavirus. That's a massive amount of plastic waste that ends up in our already polluted oceans. Marine animals mistake these masks for food, which causes them to get stuck, eat them, choke, and die.
Masks can degrade into microplastic fibres as well. When these fish are harvested and prepared for human consumption, the microplastics they ingest can pass through our bodies, potentially harming our health.
Testing of wastewater has detected increased COVID levels and even poliovirus. Can it anticipate future virus outbreaks?
When can we anticipate the next increase in COVID?
For months, the United States has documented more than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases and 300 deaths every day. In reality, the number of cases is likely substantially higher due to declining testing rates and the exclusion of positive home tests from official counts. With this many cases and new strains coming out, it seems likely that there will be more in the future.
When then?
Possibly in the coming weeks, when new, extremely contagious variants spread. Or perhaps in autumn and winter when we spend more time indoors. Or perhaps this virus will surprise us once more and wait until next year to reappear.
By the time we realise that COVID-19 infections are quickly spreading in a community, the pandemic has already been ongoing for some time. Because the first signs of the infection are often absent, it could spread for a while before anyone notices.
If we could predict when the next increase will occur, we might be able to take preventative actions. And this is where your stool comes in — faeces, poop, or whatever term you want — comes in.
Using wastewater to detect viral outbreaks
When a person has a viral infection, the virus can frequently be discovered in their faeces. Therefore, it is possible to test the wastewater of a town, city, or community for the presence of viruses and to determine the rate of increase over time.
This method has been utilised since the 1940s when polio was a significant threat. But testing wastewater can also find different kinds of hepatitis, the norovirus that causes flu-like symptoms, and maybe even measles.
The testing procedures for wastewater have evolved throughout time. In the beginning, people tried to grow viruses from water samples. More recently, they have been trying to find viral genetic material.
Polio and COVID were discovered in wastewater.
In June 2022, testing of London's wastewater detected the virus that causes polio, a potentially fatal or crippling disease. Even though no active cases of polio have been found in London yet, this discovery has led to a look into where the virus came from, who might be infected, and if it is a threat to public health.
When everyone was on COVID lockdown in 2020, hiking became a lot more popular. According to a report, the number of hikes in 2020 was 171% higher than in 2019. The number of people hiking alone went up by 135%.
Dr Edward Phillips, an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School, says, "This makes sense since hiking remains one of the safest COVID activities because it is done outside and away from confined group settings." "Plus, what's a better way to get away from being stuck inside than to spend some time in nature?"
Not just a walk
Hiking is one of the best ways to feel better in both the body and the mind. First of all, it's a great way to build muscles in your legs. When you hike uphill, you work your hips and buttocks. When you hike downhill, you work your quads (the muscles in the front of your thighs).
Walking is a simple way to work out, but it's not always the best way to keep up the aerobic intensity. "Most people walk slowly and stop and start a lot, which keeps their heart rate from going up," says Dr. Phillips.
But hiking up and down uneven terrain uses more energy than walking on a flat surface. Your body has to work harder, so your heart rate goes up, you burn more calories, and your cardiovascular fitness improves.
You can also learn how to stay steady on your feet by trying to find your footing on a trail. This improves balance, which is a skill that keeps you from taking dangerous falls. As Dr. Phillips says, "When you challenge your body, it will change." So, if the hiking terrain makes you lose your balance, it will force your internal system to get better.
Hiking can also help your mental health. Studies have shown that older people who spend time in nature regularly sleep better, have less stress, less anxiety, and less depression. You can go hiking alone or with other people. Researchers have found that going on a nature walk with a group is just as good for your mental health as going on a hike by yourself.
Contrary to how it may sometimes appear, the epidemic is still with us.
Increasingly, people are going back to work in person. Schools restarted this spring. And mask mandates are history in most regions of the US. In many regions, case rates are declining and deaths due to COVID-19 have become infrequent. For many, life now closely approaches pre-pandemic normalcy. So, what do you need to know about where we are now?
Not so fast: COVID remains a serious problem
The infection is still very much with us, not behind us. According to the CDC, in the US there are roughly 100,000 new cases (possibly an underestimate) and around 300 deaths each day due to COVID as of this writing. Despite this, more and more individuals are paying less and less attention.
That might be a grave error. With the summer travel season upon us and terrible forecasts for fall and winter, it is prudent to pause, take a deep breath, and reevaluate the situation.
Here are answers to five questions I've been hearing frequently recently.
1. I have not yet contracted COVID. So, do I still need a vaccine?
Yes, indeed! Vaccination and booster shots are the most effective means of preventing serious COVID-19 infection.
Perhaps you have avoided infection thus far due to your vigilance with physical separation, masking, and other preventative methods. Alternatively, you may have inherited genes that make your immune system very adept at resisting the COVID-19 virus. Or maybe you've just been lucky.
Regardless of the reason, it is prudent to maintain vigilance. The virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, is highly infectious, particularly in the more recent forms. And while some individuals are at a greater risk than others, everybody is susceptible to infection and can develop a severe illness from this virus. Even if you develop a mild or moderate case of COVID-19, keep in mind that some people develop chronic COVID symptoms, such as fatigue and brain fog.
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is an infection caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox. It causes a comparable (though typically less severe) disease and is most widespread in central and western Africa. It was first detected in studied monkeys more than half a century ago. Certain squirrels and rats found in Africa are among other species that host this virus.
Currently, an outbreak is spreading swiftly outside of Africa. The virus has been reported in at least a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, Israel, and across Europe. As of the time of writing, Reuters has reported more than one hundred confirmed or suspected cases, making this the largest known outbreak outside of Africa. There have been no recorded deaths thus far.
Naturally, news of an unusual virus spreading rapidly across the globe brings to mind the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But monkeypox was discovered for the first time in 1958, and several things about it suggest that it is likely to be much less dangerous.
What symptoms does monkeypox cause?
The earliest signs of monkeypox are influenza-like and include fever and sore throat. Fever, tiredness, headache, lymph nodes that are swollen.
A few days later, a distinctive rash develops. It frequently begins on the face and spreads to the palms, arms, legs, and other body regions. Recent incidences have shown vaginal rashes. Over the course of two weeks, the rash progresses from small, flat spots to blisters (vesicles) resembling chickenpox, and finally to bigger, pus-filled blisters. These wounds can take weeks to scab over. Once this occurs, a person is no longer infectious.
Even though the illness is usually mild, it can lead to complications like pneumonia, blindness from an eye infection, and sepsis, an infection that could kill you.
How does one contract monkeypox?
This disease typically affects people who have had contact with diseased animals. It may result from a bite, scratch, or consumption of raw animal meat.
The virus can spread among humans in three ways:
Inhaling respiratory droplets directly touching an infected person less frequently, as through handling an infected person's clothing.
The respiratory pathway is characterized by large droplets that do not linger or go far. Consequently, transmission from person to person often needs prolonged, intimate contact.
Those who visit our cognitive clinic are among the 22 per cent to 32 per cent of COVID-19 survivors who still have brain fog as a result of their long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC), as experts refer to it.
What exactly is the meaning of brain fog?
Brain fog is a phrase for slow or sluggish thinking that can occur in a variety of situations, such as when a person is sleep-deprived or sick, or as a side effect of drowsy medicines. Following chemotherapy or a concussion, you may experience brain fog.
Brain fog is frequently transitory and resolves on its own. However, we don't exactly know why brain fog occurs after COVID-19 or how long these symptoms will continue. However, we do know that this type of brain fog can have an impact on other facets of cognition.
What is cognition?
The mechanisms in the brain that allow us to think, read, learn, remember, reason, and pay attention are referred to as cognition. A loss in your capacity to perform one or more thinking processes is referred to as cognitive impairment.
A wide spectrum of cognitive issues has been recorded among persons who have been hospitalized for COVID. Among them are issues with
Our brains may actively digest information that is happening around us while ignoring other aspects if we pay attention. Attention functions similarly to a spotlight on a stage during a performance, allowing performers to stand out from the crowd.
The ability to learn, store, retain, and recall knowledge is known as memory.
More complicated skills like planning, directing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling many tasks are part of executive function.
Long-term COVID sufferers may experience noticeable difficulties with attention, memory, and executive function. These difficulties have been reported in studies of patients who were not hospitalized with COVID and those who were, as well as those who had severe cases. These findings raise crucial questions concerning the impact of COVID-19 infection on cognition.
Even with mild COVID, less visible lapses in memory and attention may occur.
After recovering from a mild incidence of COVID-19, according to a recent study conducted by a group of German researchers, even persons who don't show evidence of cognitive impairment can have memory and attention problems.
A total of 136 people were recruited for the study through a website that advertised it as a brain game to evaluate how well people could perform. The average age of the participants was roughly 30 years old. Nearly 40% of the participants had recovered from COVID without needing to be admitted to the hospital, while the rest had never had COVID. All of the subjects said they had no memory or cognitive issues.
It's easy to be concerned that you've caught COVID-19 if you have a tickle in your throat or a twinge of a cough. You can receive piece of mind by taking an at-home COVID-19 test, in addition to remaining away from friends and family just in case.
However, there are other options accessible, which might be perplexing. Read on to learn how to choose and take an at-home COVID-19 test from microbiologist and pathologist Daniel Rhoads, MD.
What to Look for When Choosing a COVID-19 Test
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of at-home tests under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) program (FDA).
An antigen test reveals whether you have certain proteins (or antigens) associated with the SARS-COV-2 virus, and is the most prevalent. There are additional molecular tests that can identify genetic material.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) lab test, which is a frequent COVID-19 test you'd get from your doctor, is also a molecular test. The PCR test will also tell you if you contain genetic material linked to the SARS-COV-2 virus.
Because there are so many options, Dr. Rhoads recommends taking a test to figure out what you want to get out of it. He says, "I always encourage everyone to start with a goal." "Is it your intention to screen?" Is it for the purpose of diagnosing? "How are you going to interpret it if there are symptoms and you're trying to confirm that you have an infection, no matter what test you use?"
Although PCR tests are more sensitive to the virus's presence in your body, the results of at-home antigen tests are regarded accurate. However, there are a few factors that influence the accuracy of at-home examinations. These include whether or not you accurately acquired your sample and when you tested. If you test soon after becoming infected, for example, you may not get a positive result right away.
"The take-home message," Dr. Rhoads explains, "is that if you receive a good result, it's probably a true positive." "However, these antigen assays are not as sensitive as PCR tests." So just because you don't feel unwell and the test comes back negative doesn't imply you don't have COVID." If you're not sure what to do, Dr. Rhoads suggests following the CDC's guidelines for interpreting antigen test results.
Steps to take when taking the COVID-19 test at home
It's natural to feel nervous or terrified when taking an at-home COVID-19 test for the first time. Plus, putting a swab in your nose to obtain a mucus sample isn't always pleasant.
According to Dr. Rhoads, the best advice for all of these tests is to "follow the package insert" for the specific test you're taking. Every at-home exam includes a slightly distinct set of instructions and operates in a little different manner.
Some at-home tests, for example, propose serial testing, which entails taking multiple tests over a period of time. "Some of them say to take one test now and the second test a certain number of hours or days later," Dr. Rhoads explains. "It's likely that the FDA included that because they realize that these tests aren't as sensitive as PCR tests."
Although at-home tests come with step-by-step instructions, you may be concerned about following them correctly. There are, fortunately, resources available to you. If you purchased the test from a pharmacy, you could seek assistance from the pharmacist. Your healthcare professional may also be able to assist you with advice.
Videos provided by the test manufacturer are also useful tools. The Ellume COVID-19 home test, for example, features an app that can guide you through the testing process. Just make sure you're not watching a video for one test and assuming it'll work for all of them. "If the company provides a video, watch it," Dr. Rhoads advises. "You don't want to use one manufacturer's test while watching a different video." That will only add to the uncertainty."
Is it necessary to swab your throat for COVID-19?
Many COVID-19 tests require you to swab your nose to acquire a sample of bodily fluid for testing. However, you may have seen news headlines advising that while performing an at-home test, you swab your throat before your nose.
A non-peer-reviewed study indicated that the omicron strain of COVID-19 may cause more virus to emerge in the bronchus, which helps get air into your lungs. As a result, several people assumed that a throat swab would disclose whether or not you had COVID-19 sooner. That report, however, is still being reviewed and should not be used as actual advice.
Furthermore, some at-home quick tests in the UK tell you to swab your throat and nose as part of the process. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the COVID-19 fast tests that are now approved under the EUA of the US Food and Drug Administration.
"You won't be able to do a throat swab," Dr. Rhoads explains, "since the FDA hasn't authorized any of the tests for that approach." "The FDA did not evaluate their performance in this manner. And that's not how they're supposed to be used."
More research is needed, according to Dr. Rhoads, before a throat swab might be utilized with at-home COVID-19 tests. "Someone has to conduct the research," he says. "Without that, you're not sure what the performance is right now." It's possible that you'll get false positives. It's possible that the test isn't as sensitive as it appears."
"We don't have any data yet suggesting throat swabs are an accurate or appropriate procedure for at-home tests," the US FDA agrees, and has said specifically, "We don't have any data suggesting throat swabs are an accurate or appropriate method for at-home tests."
A throat swab can, however, be used to determine whether you have COVID-19 in one place: your doctor's office.
Dr. Rhoads explains that "some of the tests we run in the lab are permitted for throat swabs." "It was confirmed by us." It was confirmed by businesses. For throat swabs, there are methods that have been verified. However, I'm not aware of any over-the-counter tests that may be done at home using that specimen type."
What to do with the Test results for COVID-19 at home
It can also be difficult to know what to do if you test positive for COVID-19. Isolating yourself from other members of your home to avoid infecting them is a good first step. You should also notify everyone you've been around recently so they can be tested (or quarantined) if necessary.
However, your initial instinct may be to repeat the test, either with another at-home test or by arranging a PCR test, just to make sure the results are accurate. There's nothing wrong with that, according to Dr. Rhoads, but it's not essential. "You can obtain a confirmatory test if you get a positive test," he explains. "However, I don't believe you need to retest." That isn't required."
Here's all you need to know about taking the COVID-19 test at home.
At the absolute least, Dr. Rhoads advises that you document the fact that you tested positive. You can self-report a positive diagnosis to public health departments in some cities or states. Some at-home testing come with an app that connects to your medical records. You can also use your cell phone to record the results.
"If the test result is positive, take a snapshot of it so it can be shared electronically if you require healthcare in the future," Dr. Rhoads suggests. "Outpatient prescriptions are sometimes depending on whether you've tested positive or not. It's beneficial for the person who wants to prescribe you medicine to view and confirm it with their own eyes. And I feel that an antigen test will suffice in demonstrating that you have COVID."
Above all, notify and maintain contact with your healthcare practitioner. For example, MyChart at Cleveland Clinic allows you to submit documents, such as a photo of your positive at-home test. Your doctor can be a fantastic resource and help you take the best next measures to get back on track to health, especially if you start to feel worse or are unsure if your test result was correct.
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.
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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