COVID-19 Tips from Nurse Mason #13

We are hearing increasingly about new variants of the coronavirus.  It appears that several have been discovered here in the United States and even in Michigan.  Scientists are currently studying these variants. They have a good foundation to start because coronaviruses have been around for a long time, plus they can compare it to other viruses that have mutated.  The preliminary findings are showing a few things: the new variants seem to be more contagious, however less deadly.  They are spreading very quickly, and the discovery of variants is expected within the research community.  The biggest questions that are still out there, do our current therapies/treatments work on these new variants?  Does the vaccine work against them?  Right now, researchers think they do but only time will tell whether they truly help.  For more information about the new variants:  CDC New COVID Variant.

With all this said, it is even more important to follow all mitigation strategies.  I know you are tired of hearing them, but we can’t get COVID Fatigue and let down our guard. Wear your mask when you are not home.  Stay physically 6 feet from those people not in your household and make sure you are washing your hands.  Please, carefully consider any gatherings and are they really worth the risk.  This week Oakland County COVID numbers are looking better, but we can only continue that with everyone’s help.  OCHD Weekly Report.

Caroline Mason, M.Ed, BSN, RN
Oakland County School Nurse