After a year and a half of fighting Coronavirus, we still haven't beaten it. Why? Because it's a mutated virus. What do we know until now? How to be safe from now on?
There are a lot of studies suggesting that the vaccines approved in Canada (Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) provide immunization for at least six months and might offer protection for up to two to three years, however, it’s unclear if the vaccines work against new strains, and they will most likely have to be administered annually.
Both have launched preliminary studies of booster shots.
But what can we do to stay safe and live our lives as normally as possible?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that we keep taking simple precautions like:
Physical distancing (Maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and others and even greater distance if you are indoors),
Wearing a mask (and disposing of it the right way),
Avoiding crowds (especially indoors), and when is not possible, wear your mask and keep your distance from others,
Having personal hygiene is essential:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water,
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth,
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze,
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially those which are regularly touched.
While the future is unclear, it is on us to make sure we are keeping ourselves and others safe. Getting vaccinated is a huge part of it but it’s not enough.
- Use products that were tested and are approved by Health Organizations, like Health Canada.
- Don’t be afraid of asking questions and making sure you know what is best for you and others.
- Follow the news from trusted data sources such as the WHO, Health Canada, and the Canadian Public Health Association.