Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?
While COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are undoubtedly down from a couple of years ago, transmission of the disease is still occurring and an uptick in numbers is expected now that school is back in session and more people are indoors.
ICHD Communications Specialist Victoria Coykendall consulted with local health experts to provide ELi answers via email to the following questions:
Q: What is the risk to a person who catches COVID-19 today compared to 2020 or 2021 before we had vaccines? Is an unvaccinated person today significantly more at risk of a severe reaction compared to a vaccinated person?
A: “We now have ‘more tools in our toolkit’ to prevent COVID-19 and prevent severe illness among those who do have COVID-19 than we did in 2020 or 2021. Vaccines can help prevent serious illness from COVID-19, and treatment options, like Paxlovid, for those who do get sick with COVID-19 are widely available. These tools are important to reduce the strain on our healthcare system and protect the overall health of our community. Vaccination is a great way to reduce your risk of becoming sick or severely sick if you do get COVID-19.”
Q: For people who are vaccinated, what is the timeline for when it’s a good time to get a booster shot?
A: “In general, those 5 and older should get a shot of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 vaccine. The recommendations vary for children under 5. People with specific questions can talk to their healthcare provider about what may be best for them.”
Q: What do local COVID cases/hospitalizations look like now? Are they climbing?
A: “Based on historical COVID-19 trends, we expect testing and cases to rise slightly in the fall as school resumes and people spend more time indoors. However, ICHD no longer updates its COVID-19 case data for Ingham County following the end of the Public Health Emergency Declaration. Select data is available from the State of Michigan Coronavirus Dashboard. However, as at-home COVID-19 tests are not often reported, these data may underrepresent the level of COVID-19 circulating in the community. We continue to monitor hospitalizations for signs of severe illness or strain on our healthcare system.”
Q: What are quarantine guidelines for someone who tests positive for COVID? When should a person look to get a COVID test?
A: “If you’re sick with COVID-19, stay away from others as much as possible for 5 days since your symptoms started or from your positive test date if you don’t have symptoms to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others. After day 5, if your symptoms are improving and you wear a mask, you may resume routine activities. If your symptoms aren’t improving or you cannot wear a mask, continue to isolate through day 10. People with questions about their specific situation can talk to their healthcare provider about what may be best for them.”
Q: Is the health department working with the schools to develop a plan for teachers/staff who contract COVID?
A: “ICHD provides guidance and resources on COVID-19 and other communicable diseases for schools and is available to assist schools as requested.”
Q: Is there anything else important that you would like to add or I should include in the story?
A: “Now that we’re heading into peak season for respiratory illness, including COVID-19, Flu, and RSV, we encourage everyone to know their risks and take precautions to protect their health. Follow good hand and health hygiene measures, and seek out treatment if you’re at high risk of getting very sick. Vaccines are widely available to prevent getting severely sick from these illnesses and it’s normal to have questions. Talk to a trusted health care provider about your questions and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.”