Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 29, 2024 2:05:47 GMT
What's Going Around: COVID-19 - Published Aug 28, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The pandemic may be officially over but that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is in our rearview mirror.
”Then you look at our sewer shed data, the State of Missouri takes samples at our local sewer sheds to look for viral levels of COVID-19 that give us an indicator of what we can expect in the coming weeks or months,” said Kendra Findley, the Administrator of Health and Epidemiology for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. “Right now, our viral load levels in sewage are unchanged, so we’re not increasing, as in other areas of the state, but we are seeing some activity.”
Findley said it’s unfortunate to have COVID-19 circulating again because we are heading back into respiratory season where the flu, RSV, and the standard cold are in the mix as well.
”The symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are very similar so the only thing you can do is get tested through your healthcare provider, urgent care, or you can do the COVID quick test from the pharmacy.”
Findley said the FDA just approved a new, updated COVID-19 vaccine which is supposed to cover the circulating strains.
”It’s not perfect but it is the best tool that we have,” said Findley. “What it will do is, if you do end up getting the illness, despite having the vaccine, it should reduce severity.”
When it comes to heading back to work or school after COVID-19 Findley said those guidelines have been updated as well.
“It’s now the same as it is for flu,” said Findley. “They say stay home until you see an improvement in symptoms, and then 24 hours fever-free. Now with COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing a mask for five days afterward, when you’re out and around other people, but that is a recommendation.” I hate how many experts just parrot this misinformation
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The pandemic may be officially over but that doesn’t mean COVID-19 is in our rearview mirror.
”Then you look at our sewer shed data, the State of Missouri takes samples at our local sewer sheds to look for viral levels of COVID-19 that give us an indicator of what we can expect in the coming weeks or months,” said Kendra Findley, the Administrator of Health and Epidemiology for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. “Right now, our viral load levels in sewage are unchanged, so we’re not increasing, as in other areas of the state, but we are seeing some activity.”
Findley said it’s unfortunate to have COVID-19 circulating again because we are heading back into respiratory season where the flu, RSV, and the standard cold are in the mix as well.
”The symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are very similar so the only thing you can do is get tested through your healthcare provider, urgent care, or you can do the COVID quick test from the pharmacy.”
Findley said the FDA just approved a new, updated COVID-19 vaccine which is supposed to cover the circulating strains.
”It’s not perfect but it is the best tool that we have,” said Findley. “What it will do is, if you do end up getting the illness, despite having the vaccine, it should reduce severity.”
When it comes to heading back to work or school after COVID-19 Findley said those guidelines have been updated as well.
“It’s now the same as it is for flu,” said Findley. “They say stay home until you see an improvement in symptoms, and then 24 hours fever-free. Now with COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing a mask for five days afterward, when you’re out and around other people, but that is a recommendation.” I hate how many experts just parrot this misinformation