Doctors say its best to prepare in advance as covid-19 cases continue to peak
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)
Testing positive for the omicron variant is causing more people to spend more time at home and less time at work and school.
As cases continue to peak, Margaret Day, a doctor at MU Health Care, says one way you can prepare for catching the virus is by getting your vaccination.
"You know your much less likely to get really sick, go to the hospital, need an ICU, or even dying from COVID if they're fully vaccinated and especially boosted. So please prepare by getting vaccinated," Day said.
Day also says there are a few prescribed medications that can help COVID-19 positive patients who have underlying conditions. Some of those prescriptions are paxlovid and molnupiravir.
Both tablets are used to treat mild to moderate coronavirus infections and are also available to people that are not vaccinated and are over 75. People who are over 65 with underlying conditions are also eligible. However, Doctor Day says they are experiencing a supply shortage.
"Supplies are just in incredibly short numbers right now. So we have very low numbers of medications and right now only the most immunocompromised and vulnerable folks," Day said.
A painful throat is also a symptom most people experience when they catch the virus. Dr. Day tells ABC 17 News a few remedies you can take if you catch the variant.
"We really just recommend you know treating symptoms. So Tylenol for a headache or an over-the-counter pain or fever-reducing medicine," Day said.
ABC 17 News also spoke with MU virologist Kamal Singh and he believes being vaccinated won't necessarily prevent someone from catching the virus.
"The omicron actually does not care about whether you had a vaccination or you were previously infected... you can still get infected," Singh said.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday it’s likely just about everybody will be exposed to the strain. So for now it's important to mask up, get vaccinated, and if you experience a headache, sore throat, fever, or chills it's important to get tested right away.
