When vaccines first started rolling out across the world, people were weary and scared to participate because of the lack of approval from the FDA. The situation that our world was in with Covid-19 was disastrous, and we needed an emergency authorization of vaccines to help curve the virus. On August 23rd, 2021, the Pfizer vaccine had finally been approved by the FDA. With this approval, the FDA and CDC hope that more people will get vaccinated and that more businesses will require it to work with the public.
The Vaccine Does Not Completely Rid Us of Covid
A lot of focus here recently has been on the reimplementation of masks. With the new Delta Variant rapidly spreading through communities, we see a rise in cases and even deaths among the elderly, adults, and children. Vaccines are beneficial in helping our bodies adapt to new viruses like Covid-19. When an individual gets a vaccine, it teaches your immune system to recognize and fight the new virus. However, vaccines do not prevent the transmission of viruses. Even if an individual is vaccinated, they can still be infected with Covid.
Vaccines and How They Help
The CDC has recognized that the vaccine does help in the fight against Covid-19. Although the virus does not prevent transmission, their studies indicate that vaccinated people are sick for less time and their symptoms tend to be milder than unvaccinated. This is because the bodies of unvaccinated people are still unaware of the virus and how to fight it. The vaccine has allowed the bodies of those that are vaccinated to learn, adapt, and resist.
The First Line of Defense: Masks
A mask is the frontline of protection against contracting Covid-19. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people have an equal risk of getting sick from the virus. Even with a vaccine, the virus does not go away. Anytime a person goes out in public, they risk being infected. When an individual does not wear a mask, they have an even larger risk of being infected. When wearing a mask, each person needs to make sure that they are covering their nose and mouth. Masks should be properly worn, and they should fit snuggly to the face. The different variants of Covid-19 spread through respiratory droplets released from the nose and mouth into the air. Masks will prevent most of the droplets from entering an individual’s body.
Sanitize Surroundings and Yourself
Not only do masks help prevent the spread of Covid-19, but sanitizing yourself and your surroundings will play a big part. Many assorted products can be used inside public places, your home, and yourself. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes on you is always beneficial. When an individual is out in public, there could be many different surfaces that are infected. The CDC recommends that you clean all surfaces that are touched multiple times throughout the day. This could include tabletops, doorknobs, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Guidelines For Staying Safe
Along with wearing masks and sanitizing, there are a few other CDC guidelines to follow to ensure that you are as safe as possible.
- You need to wash your hands as often as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching any surface, your face, treating a sick individual, and before eating or drinking.
- Avoid indoor places that do not allow fresh air to circulate readily. Being in a poorly ventilated area that may or may not be crowded can increase your risk of contracting Covid-19.
- Stay at least 6 feet from others in your home and outside your home. This ensures that people who have a higher risk of infection are protected.
- Get vaccinated. Although the vaccines do not prevent the transmission of the virus, it gives our bodies the knowledge it needs to fight the virus.
With the approval of the Pfizer vaccine, there should be an increase in vaccinated people across the country and possibly the world. The fear that the vaccine may cause harm or is not safe can now be lifted from those that were weary. Remember, if you have been vaccinated, your fight against Covid-19 is still not over. Use sanitizer throughout the day and continually disinfect all areas around you. You need to wear your mask to ensure the safety of yourself and everyone around you.
