COVID-19 INFORMATION
What You Need to Know
COVID-19 is spiking again! Unfortunately, so is misinformation. In this era of the 24-hour news cycle, social media, and viral messaging, it is all so confusing! So, how do we protect ourselves and each other?
The Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to partner to increase access to vaccines and provide information and services.
Current COVID Status
COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have been trending up due to a summer surge of infection.
Subvariant called EG.5, (known also as Eres), is the dominant strain circulating today, and the KBB.1.5 variant continues to mutate.
New EG.5 subvariant has been known to evade the current bivalent vaccine.
Unclear at present whether New EG.5 subvariant is more severe than previous variants.
Latest Subvariant BA.2.86, nicknamed “Pirola” on social media, is now circulating in the U.S.
The bivalent vaccine, which has been available for almost a year, protects against original COVID-19 AND more recent Omicron sub variants.
The FDA has approved the new COVID Vaccine targeting the latest EG.5 (or Eres) dominant subvariant.
The CDC has approved the updated vaccine for distribution, and it is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, if you haven’t had a shot in more than 2 months.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are not up-to-date on your COVID vaccines, get up-to-date ASAP --especially persons who are immunocompromised or have underlying conditions, such as cancer, auto-immune disorders, Asthma, Chronic Lung Conditions, Chronic Kidney Disease, HIV, and others.
When wearing a mask is optional, it is best for most people to wear a mask for added protection. When in doubt, a properly worn mask (covering nose and mouth) is better than nothing at all.
KN95 masks have proven to be the most effective.
Masking continues to be strongly recommended for persons immunocompromised or have underlying conditions.
Frequent hand washing and common sense social-distancing are still good ideas.
If you get infected with COVID, seek the best treatment for you!
For Additional Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: I’ve been fully vaccinated for months, yet I still contracted COVID this summer. What’s the deal?
Answer: Protection or immunity from infection-related disease (vaccination or previous infection) wanes over time. Staying up to date with COVID shots will still most likely keep you out of the hospital or from dying.
Question: I heard there’s a new vaccine coming out, but I haven’t had a shot in several months. Should I get a booster now or should I wait for the new one?
Answer: Many experts are recommending that people wait because the latest vaccine has been formulated to target the most recent subvariant known as EG.5 or Eres. Others insist that it is better to go ahead and get the available vaccine as soon as possible because some protection is better than no protection. All agree that it is best to check with your health care provider or the local health department to be sure what’s best for YOU.
Question: Will the new, updated vaccine protect me from the latest variant?
Answer: Although the new, updated vaccine was formulated to target the current dominant strain, EG.5, but the good news is (studies have shown) if BA.2.86 becomes the dominant strain later this fall or winter, the updated vaccine will likely be a good match for the latest variant. Most experts believe it is still better to have some protection than to have no protection.
Question: I am fully vaccinated, but I have had COVID twice; can I get it again?
Answer: YES, Like all viruses, the virus that causes COVID mutates or changes; then, it prowls around to find the most vulnerable immune systems, whether vaccinated or not. Neither vaccines nor getting infected can guarantee to prevent another infection from COVID, but they will most likely prevent severe disease or death.
Question: My church has been holding in person worship since last spring, and wearing a mask is now optional in most public spaces. I don’t feel comfortable going back to church, with or without a mask. What should I do?
COVID-19 TREATMENT
Question: I tested positive for COVID, but my symptoms are mild to moderate. Now, what do I do?
Answer: Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective. Currently, there are 3 treatments on the market that require a prescription: Paxlovid (oral pill), Molnupiravir (oral pill), and Remdesivir (intravenous).
For the best treatment options, see your health care provider as soon as possible.