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Staying healthy this cold, flu and Covid-19 season

By: Mira Costello

Editor-in-Chief

Covid-19 is now considered an endemic disease, rather than a pandemic, which means it regularly occurs in our region and population, much like the flu. 

The Center for Disease Control reports that as of Oct. 12, 1.5% of all deaths in the U.S. are due to Covid-19, and while this rate is generally decreasing, the U.S. reported nearly 4,000 Covid-19 deaths to the World Health Organization between Sept. 8 and Oct. 6. 

Read on for up-to-date Covid-19 protocols and information about how to protect yourself and others.

Covid-19 in Indiana

The CDC reports that as of Oct. 18, overall respiratory illness is low in Indiana. This includes Covid-19, flu and RSV, a virus that causes mild colds in most people but can be serious for infants or people with additional risk factors. 

According to the CDC, Covid-19 hospitalizations in St. Joseph County are decreasing. 

Vaccines

When you get your flu shot this year, the CDC recommends getting an updated Covid-19 vaccine at the same visit. They clarify that even for those who have been vaccinated or had Covid-19 before, protection from the vaccine decreases over time – similar to a flu shot – and that a new vaccine lowers the risk of hospitalization or severe Covid-19.

Immunocompromised people who cannot receive vaccinations can continue to mask at their discretion and maintain good hygiene. Higher vaccination rates and lower infection rates in their area can also protect them from infection. 

While on-campus vaccinations by the Student Nurses Association have ended, flu and Covid-19 vaccines are still available at most pharmacies. 

Safety protocols

The CDC still recommends that people with symptoms of a respiratory virus – like fever, chills, cough and runny nose – stay home and away from others while they are symptomatic. After 24 hours of improved symptoms and no fever, the CDC states that a person can return to their normal activities while taking precautions for five days, including masking, physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. 

If a person with symptoms improves and returns to their normal activities, but then gets a fever, the CDC recommends they discontinue their normal activities until their fever has broken for 24 hours, then resume normal activities with the precautions above. 

The CDC clarifies that if you have tested positive for Covid-19 or another respiratory illness, even without symptoms, you may be contagious. Practicing enhanced hygiene, masking and physical distancing is encouraged for five days after testing positive.