Do Updated COVID Boosters Protect Against New Variants?

We’re all gathering for Thanksgiving — my brother and his household, my spouse and our children, my mother and father. We expect it’s a very good factor as a result of the final couple of years, these gatherings have been disrupted, and it’s simply actually vital to have the ability to spend time with household and pals.

One factor that we’re doing that first morning all of us get collectively is taking an at-home fast antigen check. Is it completely vital that we do this? No, by no means. However it’s useful as a result of it provides yet another layer of safety. It reduces the chance that you just’re going to finish up having the virus come into your loved ones gathering and getting somebody sick and being disruptive.

The way in which we’re going to handle with the ability to spend time collectively and with the ability to do all of the issues we love with out individuals getting sick is to place in these layers of safety and to make use of them after they’re acceptable. It’s vital to do not forget that nobody measure is unto itself excellent, however when you add them collectively, they will make an enormous distinction.

Another recommendation for older adults forward of winter?

We’re not at some extent the place we’d like to consider restriction of actions. We’re at some extent the place we simply must suppose neatly about doing them in a approach that’s not going to be disruptive. And in my thoughts, there are just a few key issues:

1. Get the vaccine. It’s going to make an enormous distinction and it’s going to guard you at a excessive degree this fall and winter.

2. For those who really feel sick, check.

3. As a result of when you’re optimistic, you need to get handled.

If individuals do these easy issues, you may really feel very assured you’re not going to finish up within the hospital, you’re not going to finish up within the ICU, you’re not going to finish up having a very disrupted vacation. 

Rachel Nania writes about well being care and well being coverage for AARP. Beforehand she was a reporter and editor for WTOP Radio in Washington, D.C. A recipient of a Gracie Award and a regional Edward R. Murrow Award, she additionally participated in a dementia fellowship with the Nationwide Press Basis.​​