As some of you know, the COVID-19 virus surged over the summer, but as cold/flu season approaches, attention is back on the illness, and it prompts me to review the current guidelines for this fall and winter with you. The FDA approved and authorized updated versions of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and another vaccine from Novavax should be making its way to local pharmacies now.

COVID-19 Booster or not?

The FDA approved the vaccine booster for people 12 and older and authorized emergency use for children 6 months to 11 years old. The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine booster targets the Omicron variant which according to the FDA is not causing a significant number of infections. The Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recommends that anyone over 6 months or over should get the COVID vaccine booster as well as the flu vaccine. The CDC suggests the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe disease, hospitalization, and death and is particularly important for high risk groups and those with underlying conditions including those over 65 years of age. You can read more about the CDC guidelines HERE.

In contrast, according to the Florida Department of Health, the FDA’s recent approval was granted in absence of any booster specific clinical trial data performed on humans. Furthermore, the Florida State Surgeon General states the booster doesn’t protect against the current dominant strain, accounting for about 37% of infections in the United States. The Florida Department of Health sent out updated guidelines on September 12 and you can read more about our state’s stance on the COVID-19 vaccine booster HERE. Based on the high rate of global immunity and available data, the Florida State Surgeon General advises against the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Now having shared all this information, it can be particularly confusing as to which guideline to follow. My strong recommendation is to discuss these different guidelines with your own physician who understands your medical conditions and risk factors so together you can determine the best path forward for your own health. Vaccines have made a significant contribution to our world’s health by eliminating and even eradicating some diseases. Getting these and other vaccines can sometimes be controversial but the benefits should outweigh any risks for you and your family. Learn as much as you can and discuss this with your medical team so you can make an informed educated decision about what’s best for you.

If you develop any upper respiratory symptoms this season, I would encourage you to get tested to help diminish the spread of any of these viruses including COVID, FLU, Common cold, RSV, Bronchitis and more.  Guidelines for handling these viruses can be found below.

Testing for COVID/FLU:

• Your physician, an ER, or a walk-in clinic can test for both of these viruses and others if you have any flu-like symptoms or feel sick.  Until confirmed, wear a mask to protect others and get tested as soon as possible.
• Home COVID tests: Home COVID-19 test kits are available at your local pharmacy, and can be helpful to have.
  • Free COVID tests will be available by late September or early October at www.COVIDtest.gov. Each U.S. household will be able to order 4 free COVID antigen tests.
  • Antigen tests are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable. However, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out an infection, so re-testing is strongly encouraged. To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests performed 48 hours apart. If you have been exposed but are asymptomatic, the recommendation is 3 antigen tests each performed 48 hours apart.

How long are you contagious?

• COVID-19: You can be contagious 1-2 days before symptoms begin and up to 8-10 days after symptoms start.
• FLU: You are most contagious during the first 3 days of your illness. Some may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms and 5-7 days after becoming sick

Updated guidelines if you test + COVID-19: These guidelines are also suggested for the flu, common cold, and other upper respiratory viruses and illnesses particularly those with fever.

1. If you have a fever, stay home until the fever has disappeared for at least 24 hours without fever-lowering medicines (Tylenol or Advil)
2. When fever-free, wear a mask for 5 days when you leave your home or when near others in your home.
3. Keep your distance from others to decrease spread.
4. WASH your hands frequently and sanitize when you are able.

Additional treatment for COVID, FLU, or other Upper Respiratory Illnesses:

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Take over-the-counter medicines to treat your symptoms (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, decongestants, antihistamines, cough medicines, etc.). As always, please check with your physician to confirm there aren’t any contraindications with taking any of these over-the-counter medicines.
• Notify your physician if you happen to test positive for COVID or the FLU.  Antiviral medications are available to you and can be helpful depending on your medical history, conditions, and risk factors. Speak with your doctor to understand the best treatment options for you.
• REST and more REST

Let’s work together to reduce the spread of these viruses this fall, and in the years to come, by doing what we can to protect ourselves and others around us.

As always, please contact the Care office if you, or someone in our St. Luke’s family, is ill so we can offer our support and prayers.

Lisa Crump, RN, BSN, FCN
Parish Nurse