Introduction
COVID-19 cases are declining for now in the U.S., but experts warn another surge is coming. With cases spiking overseas it’s just a matter of time before we get hit with another wave so taking precautionary measures is key to staying healthy. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who explain how to help avoid getting COVID and places you’ll most likely get the virus from. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, bestselling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! explains, “COVID is a coronavirus. Which means that it is a cousin to the common cold. These viruses continue to mutate so that we never get full immunity to them. But having had a cold in the past makes future colds less severe. It is likely that COVID is now part of our microbial ecosystem. But as people get the virus, future infections will likely get milder and milder. To where it’s like getting a cold.”
Dr. Teitelbaum shares, “Most people who come in contact with COVID either do not get it or have a case that is so mild they don’t even know they’re infected. Which means that you can take simple measures to strengthen your body’s immune system and protect yourself. Especially important?
A- Take a good multivitamin with zinc, vitamin D, vitamin K, and other nutrients.
B- Stay hydrated. The part of the immune system that is our first defense against the virus is like our Navy. It works on the moist surfaces of the body. And our Navy does not work well in ‘dry dock.’
C- Get your eight hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation causes poor immune function.”
According to Dr. Teitelbaum, “People are most likely to get COVID in poorly ventilated areas where the virus can build up in the air. It is very unlikely to catch it outdoors, even if you are surrounded by a lot of people. You’re unlikely to get it on airplanes because of the HEPA filtration. You’re unlikely to get it in places that have open doors and windows with the breezes flowing through. As this prevents the virus from building up in the air.”
Donna Schisler RN, BSN Clinical Manager with Advantis Global says, “There are many people from different countries and areas within the U.S. who may be carrying different variants. Wearing a mask is still the safest way to protect oneself in this atmosphere as social distancing is very difficult.”
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Schisler explains, “With many people from various areas in one setting, social distancing can be difficult. People can board seemingly healthy and develop symptoms while on board, creating a high spread scenario. I recommend wearing a mask when in an area where distancing is not possible, using sanitizer regularly while on board, and social distance when you can.”
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“People are seeing a provider for COVID concerns and complications,” Schisler states. “Many will have a cough at this point and be fully symptomatic, increasing their chances of spreading the virus. Others will not know they have COVID but will still be transmitting the virus to those around them unknowingly. These are areas with KNOWN and active COVID infections. Avoid going to a healthcare facility unless necessary. Wear KN95, KF94, or N94 masks and social distance at all times.”
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Follow the public health fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—get vaccinated or boosted ASAP; if you live in an area with low vaccination rates, wear an N95 face mask, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don’t go indoors with people you’re not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.