Today, Dr. Fauci warned that a potential surge of new infections is likely, so thus it is important to please keep up the fight.
This is a key time. Halt COVID-19. Please keep up the fight!
This is a call to action. We are taking steps to remind everyone that this is a key time.
Our work protects health and saves lives. Health messages are key. One of the key tools we have to halt the virus is messages. It is also important to reinforce these messages with tools and resources.
We must keep up the fight.
There are several key steps to take to reduce the spread of the virus. They are social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and to avoid touching of the face.
Masks are key. Here are the key mask messages. Please share them.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
They also protect others, too. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
Vaccines are Key
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, everyone 16 and older in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus. More, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your second dose.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
Vaccines also protect others. More, it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. Also you can be infected with it but show no symptoms, but still can spread it to others.
Please get vaccinated. And encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had the virus, you can potentially get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.
Illustration by Olha Khomich