Many probably think COVID is over – out of sight, out of mind.
The “pandemic” does indeed seem to be over since most people are no longer wearing masks and we are now, finally and thankfully, able to go out to eat, attend sporting events and church, and the kids are back in school.
But it depends on who you’re listening to if you think the coronavirus is completely gone and out of our lives.
It may be hard to believe, but the world is in the third year of living with COVID-19, with the first cases recorded more than 2 1/2 years ago.
On a recent interview on the TV news show 60 Minutes, President Joe Biden stated the pandemic is over.
“Everybody seems to be in pretty good shape,” Biden said.
However, you still hear of people contracting the disease. You still read about deaths due to COVID.
A new COVID variant vaccine is out, and most experts suggest you get that booster shot. If you received the first shots and the first booster, they say it is a good choice to get the newest booster.
The coronavirus will likely be like the seasonal flu. Many of us get a yearly flu shot and now we will likely have to get an annual COVID-19 booster.
We all wanted life to get back to normal and it has in many ways. But the virus still lurks around and is sneaking around the corner.
Most of us have put the pandemic behind us. But maybe it’s still better to be safe than sorry.
Why not get the booster, especially if you had the original vaccines and first booster?
The virus has not disappeared. It is still hanging around. People are still getting sick and you still hear of a death in a few cases, especially for those with other health conditions.
It’s just like a cold, a stomach bug or the flu – if you are around a group of people and a couple are sick, you have a chance of catching it and getting sick.
In Kentucky and West Virginia, state governors have consistently advised that vaccines are the best practice to avoid the virus.
This newly updated booster is formulated to vaccinate against the original strain of the virus and the BA.4 and BA.5 variants. The FDA approved it.
Most health officials encourage people to not only get a flu shot but to get the COVID booster as well. Some say getting it the same day with a shot in each arm is OK. Others say you can get them a couple of weeks apart.
Individuals can make their own decisions about whether to get boosted and/or continue taking COVID precautions.
Expect the warnings about the virus, as well as the flu, to increase as we head into the fall and winter months ahead.
The COVID virus has done what viruses do, mutate and try to find a way to survive.
To totally ignore it would not be logical. So be safe, think of others, especially family members and consider your options.