It’s been more than 3 years since Covid-19 changed the world as we know it. We’ve been through tons of uncertainty, challenges, and scary changes. We’ve heard the words’ unprecedented’ and ‘new normal’ more times than we can count. Yet, all things considered, we’ve adjusted well enough. For the most part, we’ve returned to life as usual and might even talk about Covid-19 as if it’s a thing of the past. But, while not a frequent news topic anymore, it’s still around. Without constant information, knowing the best precautions to take is difficult. Today, we’ll talk about recommendations and best practices to keep ourselves and our families safe in 2023.

Are Covid-19 and the flu the same?

No. Different viruses cause Covid-19 and the flu. They spread at different speeds and can cause distinct symptoms. However, Covid-19 and the flu are both spread through respiratory droplets. When an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, others can inhale or swallow them. Droplets can also land on surfaces like door handles. If we touch these surfaces and then our eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can spread to us. The illnesses also share some symptoms, like:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Sore muscles
  • Stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Upset stomach and vomiting (mainly in children)

 

Covid-19 differences:

  • It’s more contagious and fast-spreading
  • It can take longer for symptoms to appear (between 1 and 14 days, whereas the flu is 1 to 4 days)
  • May cause loss of taste and smell
  • Severe illness and hospitalization are more common
  • May cause blood clots and long-lasting complications

 

How to stay safe

Get vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is still one of the most effective defences against Covid-19. While vaccines don’t stop us from catching it, they reduce the chance of serious illness. Based on research from epidemiologists, manufacturers updated the fall 2023 vaccines. The new versions protect against this season’s most widely circulating viral variant (XBB.1.5). Updating vaccines to keep up with the current variant is standard practice, as viruses mutate often. The flu shot is updated every year, too.

All people 6 months and older should get a Covid vaccine.

  • Children 6 months to 4 years:

 

  • If unvaccinated should get 3 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or 2 of Moderna
  • If previously vaccinated, should get 2 or 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (depending on how many vaccines they’ve had) or 1 of Moderna. Healthcare providers can help determine the correct dosing schedule
  • People 5 years and up get one dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine
  • Healthcare providers may advise people in high-risk groups to get additional doses
  • Novavax is a protein-based vaccine approved by the FDA for people 12 years and older. It may be a good choice for people who can’t take the other vaccines

Practice good hand hygiene

Washing our hands well (and often) reduces the spread of germs and illnesses, including Covid-19. Hot water and soap destroy viruses and help remove them from our hands. We should also avoid touching our faces, especially with unwashed hands. Otherwise, we can introduce viruses into our bodies through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

We should wash our hands:

  • After being in public or touching high-traffic objects, like doorknobs and ATM’s
  • After touching a pet or their waste
  • After going to the bathroom or helping someone else in the bathroom
  • Before and after handling food
  • Before and after brushing/flossing teeth
  • After blowing our noses
  • After touching the garbage
  • Before and after sex

 

When we wash our hands, the water should be tolerably hot, and we should use a lathering soap. We should remove rings and rub our hands together, front, back, between fingers, and the thumbs. Soap should cover the entirety of our hands. Rub for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. If in public, use a paper towel to turn off the tap.

If water isn’t available, hand sanitizer is an okay alternative. Use a generous amount of product, rub it all over the hands, and let it air dry.

Increase indoor ventilation

When spending time indoors with others, having good airflow can help reduce the number of Covid-19 particles (if present) in the air. Proper ventilation helps reduce its spread.

  • Open windows
  • Set the HVAC system to be constantly on, ensuring fresh, filtered air
  • Change the HVAC filters often
  • Use HEPA filter air purifiers
  • Turn on fans

 

Wear a mask

Wearing a mask isn’t mandatory but, combined with other precautions, can provide an added layer of protection. The best mask fits snugly, with no gaps around the edges, and is comfortable. The mask should cover our nose and mouth and extend below the chin. N95 respirators offer the most protection, followed by KN95s, medical masks (rectangular ones, often blue) and cloth masks.

 

Wear a mask:

  • As a personal choice, anywhere, anytime
  • In public, indoor areas with crowds, especially when there’s a high number of Covid-19 cases in the community
  • When caring for someone with Covid-19, or who is immunocompromised
  • If personally immunocompromised or at risk of severe illness
  • When visiting assisted living facilities and nursing homes
  • In poorly ventilated spaces

 

If our mask gets wet or damaged, we should replace it with one in good condition.

 

I have Covid-19, now what?

Self-isolate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends self-isolation for people who test positive for Covid-19.

Current guidelines

If Covid-19 is suspected, isolate immediately. Stay home, separate from other household members (or wear a mask, if not possible), don’t share personal items like utensils, open windows, and use separate bathrooms when possible. Then, follow these guidelines:

  • When symptoms are present, isolate for 5 days. The day symptoms first appeared is considered day 0 (we should already be self-isolating on this day). The following day is considered day 1, the 1st full day of isolation.

 

  • If exposed to someone with Covid-19, follow these precautions for 10 days (day 0 is the date of exposure, day 1 is the next full day):

 

  • Wear a mask when around others and in public
  • Watch for symptoms, including a fever over 100.4°F. If symptoms develop, get tested and self-isolate immediately.

 

  • Even if no symptoms develop, get tested on day 6. If negative, continue the above precautions until day 10. If positive, self-isolate for 5 days. A PCR test is best for detecting infection without symptoms. A healthcare provider performs this test and sends it to a lab for processing. If using an at-home test (called an antigen test), it’s best to take 3, spaced 48 hours apart.

 

Get medical treatment

Most cases of Covid-19 resolve themselves and are relatively mild. Over-the-counter medication and rest can help ease symptoms. However, certain people may be at risk for severe illness. In these cases, prescription antiviral medications are available to help fight the infection. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider immediately, as people must start these medications within 5 to 7 days of the first symptoms. There are medications available for adults and children.

It’s advisable to stay current on accurate, timely Covid-19 news. The CDC provides updated information to the public (like news about the 2023 relaunch of free COVID-19 tests for US households). Local and state health agencies can also be good sources of information. The correct information lets us make the best choices to protect ourselves and the people we love.