Learning to Live With Covid
Season 1, Episode 41, Apr 01, 2022, 07:54 AM
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COVID-19 isn't over. While "endemic" means a disease is present but doesn't cause widespread death or disruption (like the flu), COVID-19 hasn't reached that point. Public health officials can't predict its patterns, and we've seen surges in both warm (Delta) and cold (Omicron) weather. We hope widespread immunity from vaccination and natural infection will reduce transmission, hospitalization, and death.
When COVID-19 becomes endemic is unknown, depending on how long immunity lasts and global mitigation efforts. Oregon monitors test and wastewater samples to detect new variants or surges.
Masks will likely remain. OHA recommends them for high-risk individuals and those living with them. They are still required in healthcare settings and federally on public transit and in airports until April 18.
Protecting the immunocompromised: get vaccinated and boosted. Also, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings or around high-risk individuals, and wash hands frequently.
Vaccines for kids under 5 are undergoing scientific and regulatory review. While early COVID-19 symptoms in kids were mild, Omicron led to more hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Dosing for under-5s is being determined, with early reports suggesting three doses for 6-month-olds to 4-year-olds. The best protection for kids under 5 is for everyone in their circle to be vaccinated and boosted.
Boosters are effective and important. Our immune system's response wanes, so boosters "upgrade" it, similar to phone software updates. An extra shot is recommended for immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, those on immunosuppressants) or those over 65, though the CDC hasn't officially stated this yet. Omicron data showed boosted individuals had significantly fewer hospitalizations and serious illnesses.
For disability or language access, contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.
When COVID-19 becomes endemic is unknown, depending on how long immunity lasts and global mitigation efforts. Oregon monitors test and wastewater samples to detect new variants or surges.
Masks will likely remain. OHA recommends them for high-risk individuals and those living with them. They are still required in healthcare settings and federally on public transit and in airports until April 18.
Protecting the immunocompromised: get vaccinated and boosted. Also, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings or around high-risk individuals, and wash hands frequently.
Vaccines for kids under 5 are undergoing scientific and regulatory review. While early COVID-19 symptoms in kids were mild, Omicron led to more hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Dosing for under-5s is being determined, with early reports suggesting three doses for 6-month-olds to 4-year-olds. The best protection for kids under 5 is for everyone in their circle to be vaccinated and boosted.
Boosters are effective and important. Our immune system's response wanes, so boosters "upgrade" it, similar to phone software updates. An extra shot is recommended for immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, those on immunosuppressants) or those over 65, though the CDC hasn't officially stated this yet. Omicron data showed boosted individuals had significantly fewer hospitalizations and serious illnesses.
For disability or language access, contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.