{"id":17231,"date":"2021-12-09T21:52:28","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T21:52:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=17231"},"modified":"2024-02-01T22:30:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T22:30:23","slug":"how-to-gather-safely-this-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/how-to-gather-safely-this-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"How to gather safely this holiday season","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting together for the holidays took on a whole new meaning in 2020 \u2014 virtual events like remote potlucks were the norm as we all sought creative ways to connect with loved ones near and far amid the shadow of COVID-19. Thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines in the U.S., that shadow is showing signs of lifting, inspiring many people to once again host and attend in-person celebrations this season.<\/p>\n

However, COVID-19 is still among us and the choices we make not only affect our own health but the health and well-being of our friends, our family and our community. What steps can you take to ensure a joyous yet safe holiday gathering?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 1: Get vaccinated, get your booster<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s festivities coincide with the emergence of the omicron variant<\/a> \u2014 yet another mutated form of the virus that causes COVID-19.<\/p>\n

\u201cPreliminary data seems to suggest that omicron is more contagious than delta<\/a>,\u201d says Mary Fairchok, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mary Bridge Children\u2019s<\/a>. \u201cEarly signs also indicate that omicron can cause reinfections in those who have already been infected<\/a>. Full immunization, including a booster shot, should still provide some protection against severe disease. Booster shots, in particular, provide broader and higher levels of immunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Early reports out of South Africa<\/a>, where the omicron variant was first detected, show increasing levels of COVID-19-related hospitalizations in children five and under. This trend indicates that the omicron variant may be affecting children in this age group more so than previous variants.<\/p>\n

\u201cSince children under five cannot yet receive a COVID-19 vaccine, it\u2019s especially important for adults and older children in the family to get vaccinated,\u201d says Dr. Fairchok. \u201cThis can significantly reduce the risk of infection for this vulnerable age group.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to getting vaccinated for COVID-19, it\u2019s also a good idea to get the flu shot. \u201cFlu is starting to spread in the U.S. and being simultaneously infected with both COVID and the flu can be hard on the immune system,\u201d says Dr. Fairchok.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 2: Test, check for symptoms, mask up<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, has endorsed in-person gatherings<\/a> among those who are vaccinated, but what if your guest list includes a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people?<\/p>\n

\u201cI recommend avoiding indoor, in-person gatherings with unvaccinated people, but if that\u2019s not possible, then those who are unvaccinated should get tested within 48 hours of a gathering \u2014 even if it\u2019s only with an at-home antigen test,\u201d says Dr. Fairchok.<\/p>\n

At-home antigen tests are a screening tool<\/a> that can be used to detect COVID-19, whether you have symptoms or not. These self-administered tests can be purchased online and at most pharmacies. While convenient, they are less sensitive than polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests \u2014 the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 \u2014 and they can return false negatives.<\/p>\n

In addition to getting tested, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends doing a health check with all guests before the event<\/a> \u2014 ask if they\u2019ve had any COVID-19 symptoms in the last two weeks and have them check temperatures before they arrive. Anyone with symptoms should not attend your gathering.<\/p>\n

During your event, unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask and when they remove it to eat or drink, they should distance themselves from others.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Consider your location \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The safest gatherings are still outdoors, but if you must gather inside, choose a space that is as large as possible and has good ventilation (or air flow). A well-ventilated room can help reduce the amount of virus particles in the air. To increase air flow in your home, you can open windows and doors, set up fans, purchase a portable air cleaner and follow these ventilation tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIf guests cannot be well-spaced and the area is poorly ventilated, then it\u2019s not a good idea to attend or host a gathering indoors, particularly if it\u2019s going to include anyone at high risk for severe disease<\/a>,\u201d says Dr. Fairchok.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step 4: Travel wisely <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many people have planned trips to meet up with family and friends for holiday celebrations this year. If you are travelling by plane, here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n