How can I stay safe during the holidays?
➡️Think in terms of harm reduction. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
dearpandemic.org/safe-holidays/
#covid #rsv #flu #HolidaysAreComing
1/
2/ Just in time for Christmas, #COVID is again on the rise.
#Flu and #RSV may be peaking—but remember that there are often as many cases *after* a peak as before it.
dearpandemic.org/are-cases-peak…
3/ How can we enjoy moments w/ family & friends & lower the risk of illness?
💥 Small steps you take to reduce risk are worthwhile. A little bit better…is a little bit better.
Prevention steps that work for COVID will reduce the risk of RSV, flu, & many other nasty viruses.
4/ ⚠️Start being more cautious *today* to lower the chances of being sick on Christmas Day.
Wear a mask during those last crowded shopping days.
Limit contact w/ those noticeably sick who decided to be out anyway-it’s OK to say no to a meet up now to avoid being sick for X-mas.
5/🤒Stay home if sick.
We know this a gray area w/ perpetually snotty kids. Use common sense if visiting grandparents, babies, or other vulnerable loved ones. If anyone feels feverish or really cruddy, that’s a sign they are contagious w/ SOME virus you’d rather not pass on.
6/ 🧪 Rapid test for COVID prior to traveling or gathering. Knowledge is power-don’t bring uninvited viral guests to the holidays.
FREE rapid tests available again in US: covid.gov/tests
7/ We know some people are reluctant to test so it doesn’t ruin their travel or other holiday plans.
We get it– the Nerdy Girls are also human, and we’re all in the third holiday season of COVID potentially keeping us away from traditions and loved ones.
8/ While ignorance may seem like bliss, we encourage you to test EVEN if you plan to still go forward w/ plans regardless of the outcome.
If you know someone is positive, you can be more vigilant w/ masking, distance, ventilation, etc to prevent infecting vulnerable family.
9/ 🪟 Ventilate.
Open windows or hang out outside when weather permits.
Use HEPA filters for additional protection.
For tips on improving home ventilation check out this resource from @LizSzabo: khn.org/news/article/h…?
10/😷Mask strategically.
Masks (N95/KN95 quality) block inhalation & exhalation of COVID & other respiratory viruses. Masking during travel can protect you & others even if you don’t mask at family events. Mask if you develop symptoms during the holiday.
dearpandemic.org/mask-sometimes/
11/ 🧼Wash hands & disinfect high touch surfaces.
While COVID dominates the air rather than hands, RSV & many other germs last longer on surfaces. Break out that hand sanitizer & those Lysol wipes again, especially before eating (but old-fashioned soap & water works great too).
12/ 💊 Use Paxlovid! If you or a family member >50 (or otherwise at risk) test + for COVID, get Paxlovid.
Don’t be afraid of rebound–it’s extremely effective at keeping people out of the hospital & NOT DEAD.
Look for a Test to Treat location here.: aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Pa…
13/ 💉 Get your COVID booster AND flu shot.
It’s not too late to protect yourself for the rest of the Winter.
14/ 🙏 Enjoy your loved ones and be thankful. Gratitude is healthy for the body and the soul.
Every little bit of prevention counts. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good!
Much love,
Those Nerdy Girls
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