Dr. Mandy K. Cohen, CDC Director, emphasizes progress made since 2020 in battling COVID-19, reflecting on challenges and fears during the early days of the pandemic.
Image Credit - Instagram
The current COVID-19 landscape has evolved significantly, with no federal mandates or travel restrictions. Vaccines, testing, and treatment have allowed for a return to normal activities like family vacations and celebrations.
Image Credit - Instagram
COVID-19 remains a challenge, but effective tools, including updated vaccines, can prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Dr. Cohen highlights the importance of vaccines in minimizing the virus's impact.
Image Credit - Instagram
Extensive studies and real-world experience confirm the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Over 270 million Americans have received shots, resulting in numerous lives saved and hospitalizations prevented.
Image Credit - Instagram
Due to the evolving nature of the virus, vaccines need to be updated to match new strains. The CDC recommends updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone age 6 months and older.
Image Credit - Instagram
Older Americans and individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Approximately 88 percent of deaths from COVID-19 between January and July 2023 were among those aged 65 years or older.
Image Credit - Instagram
Long COVID is a concern, affecting individuals even after recovery. Symptoms like extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and headaches can significantly impact quality of life.
Image Credit - Instagram
Unvaccinated individuals or those with severe COVID cases are more likely to develop long COVID.
Image Credit - Instagram
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous clinical trials and have been administered extensively. Their safety is closely monitored, and manufacturers can adjust them to match circulating strains.
Image Credit - Instagram
The Biden administration is working to ensure easy access to updated COVID-19 vaccines. Most people can still receive free vaccines, with health insurance plans covering the cost.
Image Credit - Instagram
Those without coverage can obtain vaccines from local health centers and participating pharmacies.
Image Credit - Instagram
Treatment options like Paxlovid are available for COVID-19. These pills, taken twice a day for five days, can reduce the severity of illness and potentially prevent long COVID. Early treatment is crucial for effectiveness.
Image Credit - Instagram
Additional preventive measures include widely available at-home tests and common-sense strategies like improving ventilation, masking, and hand washing.
Image Credit - Instagram
These measures not only help prevent COVID-19 but also protect against other viral infections.
Image Credit - Instagram
The CDC anticipates seasonal upticks in COVID-19 cases. However, the availability of vaccines for COVID-19, R.S.V., and flu viruses offers a significant advantage in reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
Image Credit - Instagram
Increased vaccination rates can improve the capacity of the healthcare system to handle patient influxes.
Image Credit - Instagram