The rush of Christmas travel continues Friday morning, as many pack their bags to get to the airport. But with all the crowds, new concerns arise about getting sick before the holidays.
There is now a new variant called JN-1 and it is highly contagious, as this is expected to be one of the busiest travel holiday periods on record.
Locally, doctors have already seen an increase in positive COVID cases, but it is worth noting that there has not necessarily been an increase in COVID hospitalizations.
Still, that increase is why travelers are recommended to wear a mask. While not required, it has been shown to limit exposure and doctors recommend caution.
Doctors also say that there is a new vaccine that can be applied, but that it is not mandatory. In fact, only 17% of Massachusetts residents have adopted it so far. But if you are considered high risk, you are urged to consider it.
“It is not a hard scientific fact that everyone should get vaccinated every year. We are still learning who will benefit the most from the annual vaccine,” said Dr. Shira Doron of Tufts Medical Center. “Boosting that immunity with an annual vaccine will help prevent serious complications from COVID. That’s why it’s more important for people who have those risk factors to get that annual vaccine.”
Some states in the New England area that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says have “very high or high levels of COVID” include Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Rhode Island.
2023-12-22 12:22:40
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