The pandemic worldwide has eclipsed two million deaths. And it had reached a million by October 1, 2020.
Since the start of the virus, Johns Hopkins University has maintained a website tracking cases. It tracks both the number of positive cases and fatalities.
In the United States, the total is near 400,000 fatalities.
It takes both safety and research efforts to halt the virus. We need to take action. Please bookmark our tools and resource guide.
Vaccines are Key
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, everyone 16 or 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.
Photograph by Mike Chai