OSHEM Covid Program Update: Avoid giving the gift of Covid – Test, test, test!
The holidays are a time when many of us attend festive parties and gather with family and friends from near and far. And while we wish this year could be without COVID risk, the reality is we must still make sure we aren’t bringing the virus to the party.
Think of viruses like store bought fruitcake: No one wants you to show up with it, and you definitely don’t
want to bring it home with you (my apologizes to those of you who make truly wonderful fruitcake)! But, how can you ensure you’re COVID free?
Simply put, get tested! Test yourself frequently this holiday season, especially before indoor gatherings – even more so if people at higher risk, including the elderly or immunocompromised, will be there. If you feel well, test yourself. If you feel poorly, test yourself – and consider staying home. Be it COVID, the flu, RSV, or even a cold, no one wants to receive an unwelcome illness at the holidays.
At-home test kits are easy to find at grocery stores and pharmacies. You may also be able to find free kits at community centers and libraries. Don’t be shy about obtaining plenty of kits and using them! Setting yourself a weekly testing schedule and/or testing before attending a party can give you peace of mind as you celebrate.
If you want to further protect yourself, remember that masks still provide significant protection against
transmission. Be it friends, family, or coworkers, you have a responsibility to keep your germs to yourself. Continue to ask yourself the daily health screening questions before reporting to work. What we’ve been saying from the beginning, “If you’re sick, stay home!” still holds true.
Unfortunately, we know that some of us will catch COVID this season. Be prepared and make sure you have received the bivalent booster. Encourage your family, especially older relatives, to get theirs as well as it is the best defense we have against severe illness.
If we each do what we can to protect those around us, including testing to know if you are carrying COVID, this is sure to be a festive season. I wish you and yours the happiest of holidays and a healthy new year!
Be well,
Dr. Anne Christensen
Associate Director, Occupational Health Services
OSHEM COVID Program
SI-CoronavirusInfo@si.edu
s.si.edu/COVID-19
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Posted: 1 January 2023
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