Table of Contents
Introduction
COVID infections are expected to rise in fall 2023, according to doctors. They emphasize that the dangers of COVID have not “ended” and anticipate an increase in patients with COVID symptoms, as well as the usual colds, flus, and other contagious respiratory illnesses. As a result, many people have questions about guidelines for living their daily lives, such as whether to wear a mask or avoid large gatherings.
In an article for The Washington Post, Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, and Natascha Tuznik, associate clinical professor of infectious diseases, shared their thoughts on smart safety protocols. They discussed the illnesses they expect to see in the fall, their approach to the new COVID booster and flu vaccine, their personal COVID-safe rules and habits, and advice for parents and grandparents to keep themselves and their children healthy.
Illnesses Expected in Fall 2023
Tuznik’s Concerns
Tuznik expresses concern about the increase in patients in the hospital during the fall. She expects to see COVID cases along with the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). She mentions that anyone is susceptible to all three illnesses, especially those who already have other underlying illnesses and immune system disorders.
Blumberg’s Expectations
Blumberg expects the usual increase in winter respiratory viruses, which now includes COVID. However, he does not believe it will be as bad as last year’s “tripledemic.” He hopes that was a one-off occurrence. He also mentions the wild card of new COVID variants, which may result in increased transmissibility or immune escape. He and his colleagues are closely monitoring the current variants.
Approach to COVID Booster and Flu Vaccine
Blumberg’s Plan
Blumberg states that he would like to receive the updated COVID booster as soon as it is available. He plans to get the influenza vaccine in October but will monitor influenza activity and get vaccinated sooner if it turns out to be an early flu season. He also mentions the efficacy of the new RSV vaccines and looks forward to seeing further data on their safety.
Tuznik’s Perspective
Tuznik believes that boosting the immune system as soon as possible is beneficial. She highlights the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. She mentions the relatively safe side-effect profile of the new RSV vaccines for adults, which were approved this year. She suggests that individuals aged 60 or older discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors.
Personal COVID-Safe Rules and Habits
Tuznik’s Precautions
Tuznik shares that she keeps an eye on the rates of COVID, flu, and RSV to determine the level of precautions she should take. Since the pandemic, she has been eating outdoors as much as possible and avoiding going to movies on opening nights. If COVID rates continue to spike, she will likely avoid unnecessary indoor environments, including restaurant dining, movies, and concerts.
Blumberg’s Current Activities
Blumberg mentions that he is continuing with his usual activities, including traveling. For now, he is comfortable eating inside restaurants. He believes that the most significant risk of transmission is typically from immediate dining companions rather than the waitstaff or other patrons. He trusts his tablemates to be mindful of any symptoms and up to date with vaccines.
Mask Usage in Fall 2023
Blumberg is a strong advocate for masking. He feels comfortable at indoor or outdoor crowded events while wearing a mask. For crowded outdoor events, he usually uses a regular surgical mask, but he upgrades to N95 or KN95 if he is close to people indoors or on a plane. Although he stopped masking over the summer, with the increasing COVID rates, he is considering going back to masking while indoors at stores and other venues. He continues to wear a mask on planes due to the crowded and close quarters.
Tuznik mentions that she had stopped masking in general but has become more conscious of it in the past month. She regularly wears a mask in healthcare settings for her own protection and the patients’. With the current COVID trends, flu, and RSV, she foresees continuing this practice in healthcare settings and busier indoor settings like grocery stores, depending on viral trends.
Advice for Parents and Grandparents
Tuznik’s Advice
Tuznik advises grandparents who spend a lot of time with grandchildren who attend school, daycare, or are around other children to strongly consider vaccines and boosters. She suggests that grandparents may even consider COVID tests for the child as an added reassurance, especially if the grandparent has higher medical risks.
Blumberg’s Recommendations
Blumberg has no special advice for children other than to ensure they are up to date with vaccines. However, he suggests that those aged 12 and over who contract COVID should consider getting Paxlovid. For older grandparents or great-grandparents at increased risk of severe disease, he recommends asking youngsters to COVID test before visiting.
Preventing COVID and Other Viral Illnesses
Blumberg’s Advice to Friends and Family
Blumberg gives the usual advice to his friends and family, emphasizing that he hopes they don’t perceive it as nagging. He recommends getting vaccines, masking in crowded situations, taking a COVID test if feeling sick, and seeking antiviral treatment if testing positive. He specifically mentions Paxlovid for COVID and Tamiflu for influenza, both of which can shorten the duration of illness and reduce the risk of severe disease and long COVID.
Tuznik’s Emphasis on Vaccines and Hand Hygiene
Tuznik echoes Blumberg’s advice and urges everyone to consider getting vaccinated if they haven’t already. She also highlights the importance of washing or sanitizing hands multiple times a day. She emphasizes that she cannot stress vaccines and hand hygiene enough.
In conclusion, as COVID infections are expected to rise in fall 2023, doctors emphasize the need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. This includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks in crowded situations, practicing good hand hygiene, and following guidelines for specific activities and environments. By taking these precautions, individuals can protect themselves and others from COVID and other viral illnesses.