Because of COVID-19, this winter is going to look different for most of us. We spoke with Fairbanks School of Public Health epidemiologists Shandy Dearth, MPH, and Thomas Duszynski, MPH, to understand what we can do to prepare for winter this year.
What can I do in the next month to be ready for winter?
Try to get your flu shot by the end of October, before influenza season reaches its peak. It is possible to get co-infected with the flu and COVID-19. The good news is that the tools we have to fight COVID-19 infections, work on the flu as well:
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Stay physically distant (at least six feet from others).
- Wash your hands (frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds).
- Put together a ‘ready bag’ in case you get COVID-19 and need to move to alternate housing to isolate yourself.
- Buy a thermometer and know how to take your temperature, so that if you are sick, you can report a fever to your health care provider.
- Work out a plan with your roommate (if you have one) about what to do if one of you becomes ill. Do they know how to contact your family? Can you quarantine in your apartment while using a different restroom? Planning now can help alleviate stress later.
How should I handle the holidays?
Remember, you can be infected with COVID-19 and not show any signs or symptoms and still be infectious. While you want to visit family and friends, keep in mind those that are immunocompromised or of older age that are at greater risk of severe outcomes. Consider seeing grandma and grandpa outdoors with a mask on and avoiding hugs this holiday so you can have more holidays with them in the future.
Also, get your flu shot well before visiting or entertaining family and loved ones this year. If you get the flu, you will have symptoms that resemble COVID-19, and your school/employer will quarantine you until you have proof that these symptoms are not caused by COVID-19. Keeping the flu out of the mix helps everyone better assess and respond to the situation.
Is it safe to go outside during the winter?
Being outdoors minimizes your risk of being infected with COVID-19 as long as you are physically distant and wear a mask when with others outdoors.
Can I see my friends?
Yes, if you can do it safely. Staying distant, outside, while wearing a mask are ways to protect you and them. Sitting around a campfire, keeping warm, roasting marshmallows, while staying six feet apart is a great way to reconnect and protect everyone. Indianapolis has a great trail system that is fun to explore. Be creative. Try something new outdoors with your friends.
Am I really going to be stuck inside all winter?
Finding or trying a new hobby is a great way to protect you and others during this winter. These can include outdoor hobbies. The key is to wear a mask when others are present and keeping that six-foot distance. Don’t forget to wash your hands as well.
You can also sign up for a winter class session at FSPH. It may be a great time to get ahead on a couple of credits so you can free up some time for yourself next spring and/or summer.
If we are in Stage 5 in Indiana, why do we still have to wear a mask?
This is important, because Stage 5 doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. It means that we can re-open businesses as long as we are physically distant and minimize the risk of infection. If rates of infections, hospitalizations and mortality rise, then the state may have no choice but to close businesses again as well as schools. We all want to stay on campus, and the only way to do that is to use the public health tools we have to fight this pandemic.
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