SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – At this stage in the pandemic, as we await an omicron-specific vaccine amid summer travel, returning to school and the office, it might be confusing to look for direction on how to keep COVID-19 safe.
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Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told KCBS Radio's "Ask An Expert" the virus still has the capability of hospitalizing those with an infection, especially if you're not vaccinated.
"The virus is still in some ways in control. It mutated into a virus that is spreading very, very readily, even among people who are vaccinated and people who have had an infection with COVID previously. It can still put you into the hospital," he said.
Through the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can track where COVID-19 cases are most prevalent across the country, but ultimately, "these new variants of omicron, the BA.5 variant, is just about everywhere," Schaffner warned.
To stay safe from the virus, Schaffner reinforced the same long-standing recommendations.
"First of all, get vaccinated and if you're vaccinated make sure that you're up to date," he advised. "Those vaccines are the best way to prevent the development of severe disease enough to be hospitalized. The other thing is, I know we would like to put the masks aside, but there's so much virus out there that if you're going to an indoor event with a group of people, if there are any number of people indoors, please wear the mask."
Getting vaccinated and masking up particularly pertains to older people, people who are frail, have underlying illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease and anyone who is immunocompromised, Schaffner said.
To keep a strong pulse on the current status of coronavirus, Schaffer advised that people continue to keep up with the news. "I think we'll have to keep tuned to what the media are telling us, reflecting the national recommendations," he said.
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