Summer vacations have started, people are heading to different parts of the world, and after two years of pandemic restrictions there has been a release. However, it remains appropriate to be careful as Covid-19 is still present, as statistical figures from European countries show. We already have an increase in positive PCR tests in Slovakia - on Monday 21 June 319 people were infected with the coronavirus. The World Health Organization also recalls that it is not yet possible to talk about the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, while there is still a risk of new Coronavirus variants. Experts therefore recommend using respirators in risk situations and, in case of already mild respiratory symptoms, preventive isolation.
Dusts and respirators help
One of the most important measures that has proved to be effective in mitigating the spread of the disease is the wearing of respiratory protective equipment, whether the mask or respirators. They protect not only the person who has him deployed, but also everyone around him.
Wearing drapes and respirators is recommended especially in places with greater concentration of people, such as, for example, mass events, means of public transport or interiors. At the time of vacation, it is in everyone's interest to put on a respirator in airports or aircraft. At the same time, drapes and respirators are strongly recommended for people with permanently weakened immunity, heart, lung, diabetes and other severe diseases. They should also be worn in their own interest by seniors, pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as by people who experience signs of disease, or people who are in contact with people with symptoms of COVID-19.
It is recalled that, according to the Orders of the Public Health Office, respirators remain mandatory in medical and social institutions, waiting rooms and ambulances, as well as in pharmacies. Clients of social facilities do not need to wear drapes as well as hospitalized patients. At the same time, hygiene measures should continue to be observed - disinfecting and washing hands or wearing gloves in shops.
For respiratory diseases stay at home
If a person experiences respiratory disease, cold, temperature, cough, sore throat or head, shortness of breath, tiredness or loss of taste and smell, it is good to isolate yourself from others, not go to collectives and protect yourself and others by using a respirator. It is recommended to test with an antigen test. For persistent problems, contact your treating doctor who will recommend PCR testing if suspected.
Vaccines and medicines are available
Health professionals are constantly following the situation both with us and abroad. The situation in health establishments, in particular their load capacity, is very important for the adoption of coronavirus measures. Further measures will also be taken as a result. Safe vaccines against COVID-19 disease continue to be available as vaccination is the best way to protect itself from serious Coronavirus complications. The Ministry is also preparing the purchase of new adaptive vaccines for the micron variant. A list of places where you can inject without registration can be found here: https://www.health.gov.sk/?The Slovak Republic is also involved in joint procurement by the European Commission for the purchase of effective antivirals.
What's next?
The further nature and development of Covid-19 will be influenced by several factors. The good news is that most residents have already acquired some form of immunity acquired either by vaccination or by overcoming Covid-19. We are in a completely different situation from the beginning of 2020. However, it has to be said that the antibodies fall, whether after the disease has been passed or vaccinated, which is characteristic of all coronaviruses. However, it is not necessary to spread panic, Covid-19 is no longer a disease as difficult as at the beginning of the pandemic. Although the levels of antibodies in the blood fall and the new variants mutate frequently, T-cells still provide excellent protection even several years after vaccination or disease. Therefore, the new variants are not as deadly and do not cause as difficult courses as were the alpha or delta variants. However, caution is still in place.