How to have a virus-free holiday season as Covid and flu threaten the celebrations
It used to be so easy to throw open the windows and not kiss under the mistletoe. But three years later, with no mandatory face masks or social distancing to keep people in check, planning a Covid-free Christmas is becoming increasingly complicated.
It’s even more convoluted this year, as the flu could pose a bigger threat than Covid-19. And there are still high RSV values that have seen a resurgence.
So what can we expect and what rules should be followed to stay safe?
Constellation of Viruses
The proof is that Covid is on the rise again. The south east of the country is a small hotspot with higher incidences in Wexford, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny and Kildare.
Hospitalizations of patients with Covid are increasing but not at the rate of previous waves of low and stable numbers.
But it’s increasing everywhere, and those are just the cases we know of based on limited PCR testing.
flu dominance
Flu cases are expected to be more dominant than Covid this holiday season, but a combination will result in a double threat. The flu is expected to increase rapidly.
2,092 cases have been reported since October. Last week, 213 people were hospitalized with the flu, including 21 in intensive care.
Nine people with the flu have died since October. The highest rates of influenza are in those over 65 and those under four. RSV levels fell slightly, but 664 cases were still reported.
vaccinations
Vaccinations have been shown to reduce the risk. However, uptake here remains variable for both Covid-19 boosters and flu shots.
While 96 per cent of those over 65 received a first Covid booster, this reduced to 77 per cent for a second booster and 42 per cent for a third booster shot. Among 50 to 64 year olds, 39 percent take up a second booster vaccination. The uptake of a third booster vaccination for immunocompromised people is only 9 percent.
This should be taken into account on Christmas Day or other festive gatherings around the dining table.
There is certainly scope for more people to be eligible for a second or third booster shot at vaccination centers, pharmacies or GPs.
Vicinity
The utilization of both Covid-19 boosters and flu vaccinations remains variable here. Photo: Kirsty O’Connor
Figures show that for now a significant proportion of people eligible for a Covid refresher will not have taken advantage of it when the festive socializing begins.
Uptake of the flu vaccine is also variable.
It is over 72 percent for those over 65, but only 10.9 percent for children between the ages of two and 17.
Prepare now
If an elderly or medically vulnerable relative is coming for Christmas, people should start reducing their risk of contracting Covid now. That means avoiding parties and gatherings in the run-up to the big day that could pose an increased risk of contracting Covid or the flu. In recent years, there have been recommendations to reduce risk, and the same principle applies now.
The less healthier people are exposed to an infectious virus, the less likely they are to catch it and pass it on to more vulnerable people. It’s a compromise that has taken on a new meaning.
Watch out for symptoms
At this stage we were drummed into staying home with cold symptoms until they cleared.
This applies to social gatherings, the workplace, and school. Sore throat, constipation, fatigue, headache or muscle aches should all be signals to stay away from others until we are well.
Vicinity
The less healthier people are exposed to an infectious virus, the less likely they are to contract it and pass it on to more vulnerable people. Photo: Getty Images / iStockphoto
advance testing
Many people still do antigen testing, but it’s unclear if they have symptoms. We know you can have Covid and not have any symptoms. It is therefore advisable to have an antigen test before a gathering where people at risk may be present. You might not have any symptoms but still be able to spread the virus. So if the test result is positive, keep your distance from others – there are other occasions for getting together.
face masks
They used to be our main protection, but wearing face masks has become a trickle. They are still a good shield to reduce the risk of infection and spreading a virus to others. It’s easy to revive mask-wearing on public transport or other gatherings.
There are no guarantees, but it’s just another attempt to protect the people most vulnerable to potentially deadly diseases.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/how-to-have-a-virus-free-festive-season-as-covid-and-flu-threaten-celebrations-42226175.html How to have a virus-free holiday season as Covid and flu threaten the celebrations