LANSING – The advice is simple and comes straight from the nation’s top health organization. “Let’s get vaccinated against the new coronavirus.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 before going into full hibernation.
“Staying up to date with influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can protect you from serious illness, hospitalization, and death,” the agency said in a late September update. ” he said.
This is advice echoed by Dr. Adenike Soyinka, medical health officer for the Ingham County Health Department.
“The COVID-19 pandemic may no longer dominate the news cycle, but the virus is far from gone,” she wrote recently. “This summer, the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has surged nationwide, and it is expected that the number of infections will further increase in the winter.
“While the severity of COVID-19 infections has decreased compared to the peak of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, there are still many deaths in the state in 2024, as the pathogen continues to mutate. Here’s some guidance to help you and your family stay healthy as the threat of snow, ice, and cold looms. Masu.
How worried should I be?
Over the summer, the CDC showed that nearly half of the United States was reporting “very high” levels of COVID-19 activity.
The number of coronavirus cases in Michigan reached its highest level since June 1, with more than 5,200 infections reported in the week ending Sept. 4, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. At least the number of reported infections has slowed since then, with 1,870 infections recorded in the week to October 5, and 13 deaths from coronavirus in the same week.
What is the main strain of coronavirus in the United States?
In September, the COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 was the predominant strain accounting for more than half of positive cases in the United States, according to recent CDC projections.
According to the agency’s Nowcast data tracker, from September 1 to September 14, 52.7% of positive infections were the KP.3.1.1 strain, followed by the KP.2.3 strain at 12.2%. 2 week period.
KP.3.1.1 became the dominant stock for the first time in the two-week period from July 21st to August 3rd.
“The KP.3.1.1 variant is very similar to other variants circulating in the United States. All current lineages are descendants of JN.1, which emerged in late 2023,” Norman said. previously told USA TODAY.
Why are you shot?
“While the COVID-19 vaccine will not completely prevent you from getting sick, it will reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill or developing ‘long-term COVID-19,'” Soyinka said.
CDC officials agree that the vaccine minimizes the chance of hospitalization and death.
Who is especially vulnerable?
The CDC said in September that the following groups especially need the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine:
People over 65 years old.
People with underlying medical conditions including immunocompromised conditions.
People living in long-term care facilities.
Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who may become pregnant as a means of protecting themselves and their infants.
Where will I get vaccinated?
In Clinton County, the Ingham County Health Department, Barry Eaton Health Department and Mid-Michigan Health Department are planning appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccines are also being sold at chain pharmacies such as Walgreens and Walmart.
You may want to look into the cost of vaccinations. The Ingham County Health Department is charging uninsured adults $148 for the coronavirus vaccine, according to its website. For people without insurance, a flu shot can cost up to $87.
I do not support the coronavirus vaccine. what can i do?
Remember these recommendations directly from the CDC: Practice good hygiene. Choose cleaner air by opening windows to let in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or collecting air outdoors. If you are sick and have respiratory symptoms, stay home and away from others to prevent infection. Get treatment and testing as soon as symptoms occur.
Need a reminder?
Symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include:
The CDC says you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
difficulty breathing
Persistent chest pain or pressure
new confusion
unable to wake up or stay awake
Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds
This article was originally published in the Lansing State Journal: What you need to know about getting the coronavirus vaccine
