COVID has slightly increased since the beginning of the year, but we are nowhere near the levels of early 2021 or 2022, and most importantly, very few cases of hospitalizations and deaths are being reported. Our test positivity rate is very high at 63%, and most of our reports are coming from laboratory PCR testing, which means that too few people are being tested and that cases are likely being missed.
Updated boosters are still available. Only about 7.5% of the eligible population in Dent County has received their updated booster.
Though smaller numbers of people with COVID-19 are experiencing severe illness, likely due to past infections and the vaccines, a larger number of people are now experiencing long-COVID symptoms, which can be debilitating. They can include “brain fog,” fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, blood clots, circulation issues, and more. It remains important to take measures to protect yourself from COVID-19. Suggested measures include:
- If you are immunocompromised, wear a high-quality mask in public.
- If you are around someone who is wearing a mask, they likely have a good reason for wearing a mask. They may be immunocompromised or they may have symptoms. Consider wearing a mask when around others who are wearing a mask.
- If you have any respiratory symptoms (cough, sneezing, etc), wear a mask while around others and take a COVID test.
- As the weather improves, consider moving activities outdoors when possible. This reduces the spread of respiratory illnesses, but being outside is helpful in other ways as well.
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Schedule your booster here
- Take care of your body. Eat nutritiously, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly, even if just for a few minutes each day. Anything is better than nothing.
- Work towards quitting smoking or vaping. Call the Missouri Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go to www.quitnow.net/Missouri to register for services. Professional coaches will work with you to help you develop a plan to quit smoking.
