Last year, we missed weddings, graduations, holidays and funerals because of the pandemic. We canceled sporting events and held Zoom baby showers, all with the sole purpose of avoiding crowds. And that is exactly why the prospect of having a big meeting again is so significant: when we can finally meet without fear or consequences, it will mean that COVID’s control over our lives will be loosening.
But when, exactly, will this happen?
Most projections have been hazy and evasive, given the unpredictable nature of the virus and its variants. But according to a live question and answer session with Leana S. Wen, MD, doctor and columnist for The Washington Post, the milestone may be closer than you think. With a little luck – and some continued precautions –you can safely participate in events with others this summer. Read on to learn about Wen’s encouraging prediction and for more essential news from COVID, Dr. Fauci Just Said This is When Life will Return to “What Was Before.”
“There is a good chance that we will meet other people in the summer, if everyone is fully vaccinated,” explained Wen. However, she cautioned that this possibility depends on several factors, “including whether vaccines offer excellent protection against emerging variants, whether vaccine verification can be done reliably for all participants, and whether the data continues to show that vaccines will reduce the likelihood of being a coronavirus carrier. “
Even if we we are able to gather until then, Wen notes that we may still need to wear masks, depending on “the answers to these questions and the size of the meeting.” Fortunately, preliminary evidence from recent studies indicates that the vaccine actually prevents transmission, rather than just eliminating symptoms. If proven, it would change things dramatically in favor of returning to normality in the near future, making IRL events possible again with a fraction of the risk they currently pose.
That is not the only good news that Wen reserved, however. Read on to find out what Wen says you can expect after receiving your vaccine and for more pandemic predictions, Dr. Fauci just said when it will be safe to dine indoors as usual again.
The side effects of the COVID vaccine may reflect certain side effects of COVID-19 itself, leading to rumors that the vaccine may actually infect you with the virus.
However, Wen dispelled this misunderstanding, assuring readers that they you can not be infected with any of the approved vaccines. “The COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized (and others being tested in the U.S.) do not contain live viruses. Side effects are caused by the body that develops an immune response in case you encounter coronavirus in the future. They are normal and expected and it shouldn’t be a concern for other people around you, “she said. And for the latest COVID news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
A reader wrote to ask whether or not allergies should prevent someone from being vaccinated against COVID. “What advice would you give to people like me, who have various medications and food allergies about getting the COVID vaccine?” they wrote.
Wen sympathized, saying, “I also have a drug and food allergy, as do millions of Americans,” but urged the reader to get vaccinated anyway. “Unless you are allergic to a specific component of the vaccine you are taking, you should still get it. You will be observed for 30 minutes after the vaccine (instead of 15 minutes like the others), ”she said. And for more information about the COVID vaccine, Dr. Fauci says that doing so after being vaccinated is a big mistake.
Being immunocompromised during the COVID pandemic is a double-edged sword, explains Wen: the condition may decrease the vaccine’s effectiveness, but no receiving the vaccine leaves those with compromised immune systems at considerable risk.
“It is possible that vaccines may be less durable in people with compromised immune systems. It is also possible that those taking immunosuppressive drugs may have a less robust response, ”she explained. “What we do know for sure is that those [who are immunocompromised] are more likely to become seriously ill because of the coronavirus. That is why those who are immunocompromised should see it as an even greater imperative to receive the vaccine as soon as they are eligible, “added Wen.
Another reader asked Wen, “Why is there little or no mention of treatment for COVID-19 in the mainstream media?”
“There is no cure for COVID-19,” replied Wen. She explained that currently available treatments, such as dexamethasone, Remdesivir and treatments with monoclonal antibodies, can prevent severe symptoms and reduce mortality. “We need to focus on getting better treatments, because we also recognize that the key is to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the first place, and that is what the vaccine does. (It is also what masking, physical distance, avoiding internal meetings and other measures) public health practitioners also do.) “And for more news on essential vaccines, see You should never do this after receiving the COVID vaccine, officials say.