Scientific American posted about making smart decisions when balancing COVID risk on April 19, 2022. They played it down the line when they asked experts in medicine, risk assessment and other fields for opinions. That’s because they were hoping to define the boundary between benefits of visiting public spaces, and the hazards attached.
Eight Smart Decisions When Balancing COVID Risk
Assess Personal Risk of Contracting Severe Disease
Age, immuno compromised status, and pre-existing disease top the list. People 50 to 64 are ten times more likely to die from a breakthrough than those 18 to 49.
Decide Whether COVID is Just Another Risk
People aged 18 to 49 with boosters have an equal risk of dying while driving 10,000 miles, or from influenza. Not having vaccines changes this scenario.
Adjust Your Calculations for Community Rates
The risk of contracting the disease increases during surges. When the reproduction rate exceeds one, it’s time to consider reinstating precautions.
Now Factor in the Impact of Particular Settings
Smart decisions when balancing COVID risk take particular settings in account. Enclosed spaces with low ceilings provide places for virus to linger longer.
Consider the Influence of Passive Protection
We reduce our COVID risk considerably by vaccinating and boosting, and wearing N95 masks. However, immunity wanes and masks must fit tightly.
Manage the Risk When Eating or Drinking
We reduce our protection when we remove our face mask to eat or drink. Consider reinstating it between sips and bites, if you are at risk.
Be Mindful of Contracting Long COVID
Long COVID may affect even young, boosted and relatively healthy people. The risk is similar to smoking, or untreated blood pressure for 20 years.
Strike the Right Balance When Socializing
There’s a compelling argument we can’t remain ‘locked away behind masks’ forever. There will always be a risk while COVID is with us. It’s your call how you respond.
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