As the Omicron variant rages across the United States, an expert outlines how to reduce your risk of getting infected with COVID-19.
How to safely gather
Be cautious when it comes to social activities and consider the amount of risk you’re willing to accept in order to get together with others, says Dr. Michael Lin, an infectious disease specialist and associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Any time people are gathering indoors, there’s an inherent risk that the virus will spread,” Lin said in a hospital news release.
You can reduce your risk of infection and serious illness by limiting yourself to small gatherings and making sure everyone is fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible.
At indoor gatherings, anyone age 2 or older should wear a well-fitted mask. Wearing a mask is especially important if you have a weak immune system, even if you are vaccinated.
“We know that if you are immunocompromised, you may not be fully protected even if you did get your shots,” Lin shares.
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It’s also a good idea to take an at-home COVID-19 test before getting together with others, and anyone with symptoms such as a cough or runny nose should avoid socializing.
The safest way to connect with others is to