The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get fully vaccinated. Vaccines are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and are also effective in fighting against the Delta variant. Whether or not you are vaccinated, it’s also important to follow prevention guidelines that are available for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Remember, we are all in this together. Learn steps you can take to do your part to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.
Vaccination is More Important Now Than Ever
The numbers of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the United States are rising by the day amid the rise of the Delta variant. The Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. By the end of July, Delta was the cause of more than 80% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases, according to CDC estimates. The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates.
Vaccines Are Highly Effective Even if They’re Not Perfect
COVID-19 vaccines are effective and are a critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations have been largely limited to the unvaccinated. However, no vaccines are 100% effective at preventing illness in vaccinated people and breakthrough cases, while rare, do happen. For vaccinated people who are infected with COVID-19, the vaccine still provides them strong protection against serious illness and death.
Where to Go to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine
Visit https://vaccines.gov/search to find pharmacies and providers where COVID-19 vaccines are available near you. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations in your area. Because every location handles appointments differently, you will need to schedule your appointment directly with the location you choose. Walk-in appointments are also available in some pharmacies including CVS.
A Reminder About Virtual Doctor Appointments
For your safety and convenience, Dedication Health is providing telemedicine appointments. The visits are private and secure to allow patients to be evaluated virtually so there’s no interruption in care or unnecessary risk of exposure. Please call the office at (847) 986-6770 to schedule a video doctor appointment.
How to Fight COVID Fatigue and Stay Vigilant
One of the complications of the pandemic is that people are feeling defeated, stressed, and burned out. After over a year of attempting to carry out day-to-day activities amid a deadly pandemic, many are feeling the psychological and emotional strain of the health crisis. This type of burnout is being called “COVID fatigue” or “pandemic fatigue”.
When the pandemic began and lockdowns were ordered, many people were ready to do their part and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. But several months of isolation and anxiety drained people of their motivation, causing many to become less diligent about following safety protocols such as wearing masks in public and social distancing.
As the pandemic wears on, it’s understandable that some people are getting tired of taking coronavirus precautions. However, we can’t afford to let our guard down. It is crucial to find effective practices to combat COVID fatigue and protect yourself, your family, and others from COVID-19.
Here are some ways to combat COVID fatigue:
Be more active. Although it might be tempting to skip your workout during these challenging times, exercise — while undoubtedly crucial under normal circumstances — is essential to your physical health and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exercise is especially beneficial for older adults and people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease. Regular exercise can help to improve balance, flexibility, strength, mobility, and cardiovascular health. Exercise also has immune-boosting benefits that may help your body fight off infections.
Take care of your mental health. Stress and anxiety are a natural response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to find ways to manage stress and to make self-care a priority. Stay connected with loved ones and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are experiencing symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety, talk to your primary care provider or your behavioral health provider. If you’re in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273- 8255.
Have the right mindset. Wearing a seatbelt, stopping at traffic lights, and many other lifesaving habits begin with a decision: You want to do the right thing to keep yourself and others safe, even if that means a slight inconvenience. The same principle can apply to washing hands, maintaining physical distance, and wearing a mask in public. Practice these precautions until they are second nature. Remember, we are all in this together, and we will get through this together.
COVID-19 Resources
It is important to stay informed so you can know how to prevent getting or spreading the virus. For more information and updates, visit www.cdc.gov.
Helpful links:
– View Cases in the U.S. and your state
– Symptoms of COVID-19
– Illinois coronavirus response
– Precautions for people at higher risk
– Booster shots for moderately to severely immunocompromised people
– Find a COVID vaccine near you