As the number of cases increases, “Don’t try to get a COVID and get over it,” says Chicago’s top doc – NBC Chicago.

Increasing cases, 15 Illinois counties, including Cook County, “High community level“COVID Virus”, Dr. Allison Arwady, Director of Public Health, Chicago, urged people to wear masks again in a public indoor environment and move their Memorial Day weekend rallies outdoors on Thursday. When. ”

“‘Don’t get a COVID and try to get over it,'” Arwaday said.

“We hear people trying to do that, which doesn’t help us get over COVID as a city,” she continued. “Also, we don’t always know who can have more serious consequences, and it’s potentially dangerous given that some people have longer COVIDs. Obtaining a COVID is potentially dangerous. Don’t assume that it means never getting a COVID again. Many people are re-infected with a COVID. Vaccines are the most important defense. ”

According to a new study by Northwestern MedicineMany so-called COVID “long-distance transporters” who have experienced mild symptoms and have never been hospitalized for the virus have an average of 15 months after onset of brain fog, tingling, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, etc. Continue to experience symptoms such as malaise. Of the virus.

Those “long-distance carriers” are individuals who have had COVID symptoms for more than 6 weeks.

Indoor masking

Just return to the state while the authorities stay in the state Maskman date Arwady also emphasized the importance of wearing a mask while the number of cases is increasing when the hospital system is threatened.

“Yes, that means you regardless of your vaccination status when we move to’high’,” Arwady said. “But even if we are not obliged, we ask everyone for this short period while we are’high’. I wear that mask, especially if you are in a crowded environment indoors. “

Why COVID is so prevalent

According to Arwady, the main reason for the current prevalence of COVID is that the current variant is much more contagious than the previous variant.

“Now we’ve seen two subvariants come in and overtake early versions of Omicron,” Arwady said with reference to BA.2.12.1. “This is the most contagious Omicron I have ever seen.”

According to last week’s dataThe BA.2.12.1 subvariant of Omicron accounted for an estimated 47.5% of COVID cases in the United States.

Testing and quarantine guidelines

In addition to keeping booster shots up to date- Currently approved and recommended for people over 5 years old –Arwady recommends residents PCR test or home testHelps limit the risk.

“What I don’t want is test Because they are worried about stigma. It’s not shameful to get a COVID. “

If the COVID test is positiveThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 10-day quarantine and quarantine guidance is the same whether or not it is fully vaccinated.

“If you’re diagnosed with COVID now, you’ll have to stay home for five days,” Arwady said with reference to the CDC’s guidance. “If you feel better, you can leave home in five days, but you’ll have to keep masking for six to ten days while you’re around others.”

“High” Covid alert level

Currently, a total of 15 of the 102 counties in Illinois are “High community levelAccording to the authorities, of the virus. “

Under the new guidelines released by the CDC, the countyHigh community levelCOVID is when the average number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants exceeds 200, and the average number of COVID hospitalizations is 10 times a week, or COVID patients occupy 10% or more of the beds.

According to CDC data, all six counties at that “high” level went there for weekly hospitalization.

According to the CDC, if the county reaches a “high community level” of COVID, residents are advised to wear masks indoors, regardless of coronavirus immunization status.

Residents with weakened immunity or living with them should consider avoiding “non-essential indoor activities” and consult their doctor for additional steps that may be required. It is recommended to do.