-- With the holidays fast approaching, people across the country will soon be traveling and gathering with family and friends. That leaves many wondering about the status of the pandemic and how they may be affected by it during this holiday season. Christine Von Raesfeld, Founder and CEO of People with Empathy, recently interviewed Dr. Desiree LaBeaud and Dr. David Vu on the matter to seek answers to the many questions people currently have.
Dr. LaBeaud and Dr. Vu are both pediatricians and infectious disease experts. About the state of Covid in the United States, Dr. Vu noted the rate of infections appears to be dropping, but the virus is still in play. In Santa Clara alone, one in 1,000 people is currently affected. Since the government is no longer supplying free Covid test kits, many people are unaware that they are affected.
Dr. LaBeaud pointed out that several other respiratory viruses are also going around. "We always see an uptick in the number of infections whenever people congregate," said Dr. LaBeaud. "How high that number will be, we do not know." Both doctors concluded that though people were diligent about protecting themselves at the start of the pandemic, those measures have dwindled over time.
Dr. Vu mentioned, "A lot of respiratory viruses transfer the same way as Covid, by contact and droplets. Rules are more relaxed of late. That is why there is an increase in respiratory viruses." Both doctors advise people who are feeling sick to remain at home and minimize exposure to others. They collectively iterate, "We Are All Americans, and it is our job to protect others."
Despite a desire to see friends and relatives during the holidays, limiting exposure to others, wearing masks, and other measures that were emphasized early on in the pandemic are still recommended. Both physicians likewise recommend that people receive the Covid vaccines to reduce the risks to themselves and others.
People who will be traveling during the holidays are advised to exercise caution on airplanes and other forms of mass transportation. This likewise holds true in public places and among crowds. Washing hands frequently, using disinfecting wipes on surfaces, and maintaining distance from people who are coughing or exhibiting other signs of illness are advocated during this time.
Dr. LaBeaud says people should receive all Covid vaccines for maximum protection. Dr. Vu affirms that different vaccines offer varying levels of protection, so each one has its benefits. Dr. Vu additionally supports the safety of the current vaccines on the market.
Many people simply want life to return to pre-pandemic norms, but that is not likely to happen any time soon. For the foreseeable future, heeding safety precautions has been deemed the best course of action. Both physicians note that people who have had the vaccines and those who have previously contracted Covid often have a false sense of security though neither of those factors provides full immunity against the virus and its variants.
The interview conducted with Dr. LaBeaud and Dr. Vu was produced by Silicon Valley Community Media and Ding Ding TV.
About DingDing TV:
DingDing TV is the first Chinese American online media in Silicon Valley. Founded in 2009, its focus is on content and connection for entrepreneurs and Asian Americans.
About Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University:
Dr. Desiree LaBeaud, M.D., M.S., FASTMH, is a physician-scientist, epidemiologist, and professor for the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stanford University's School of Medicine.
About Dr. David Vu, Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University:
Dr. David Vu, M.D., M.S., is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist who is researching human response to dengue virus and malaria infections. His current studies are backed by multiple awards.
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