An Ounce of Prevention                         (some notes are from the CDC)

The United States recently surpassed 40 million COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, with more than 4 million of these cases reported in the past few weeks. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have generally increased throughout most of the country since the beginning of summer, fueled by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. Low vaccination coverage in many communities is driving these increases.

Fortunately for our facility we have had very, very few cases impacting our residents here.  We credit this dream to the work we have done and continue to do in ensuring proper infection control standards are followed; our strong dedicated adherence to PPE; screening standards of residents, staff and visitors alike.  Our leadership continues to join the State’s Department of Public Health on a weekly call of COVID updates to ensure we have the best and most up to date information.   

Although most people with COVID-19 get better within the weeks following illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. A recent CDC study shows that adults who had COVID-19 may experience ongoing health problems that can last four or more weeks after COVID-19 infection. Health problems may include shortness of breath, fatigue, difficulty concentrating (“brain-fog”), headache, fast-beating or pounding heart, cough, joint or muscle pain, dizziness/lightheadedness, or mood changes, among other symptoms. Even people who did not have significant COVID-19 symptoms in the days or weeks after they were infected can have post-COVID conditions.

For those individuals that get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated the chances of them being hospitalized or it leading to death is very small.  Vaccinated COVID-19 people are clearly seen with much less symptoms and much less effects than unvaccinated people.

The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you can. CDC recommends all people ages 12 years and older get vaccinated, including people who have had COVID-19 or a post-COVID condition. The COVID-19 vaccines recommended for use in the United States continue to offer protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you can reduce the risk of long-term complications by taking steps to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19. To find a vaccine provider near you, visit Vaccines.gov or our State’s website.