Here we go again
We are beginning another seasonal rise in covid-19 infections as we have more family gatherings, more airplane travel, and more time inside buildings with poor fresh air ventilation. The amount of covid-19 virus in circulation is on the upswing again—not quite up to the levels of a year ago, and perhaps headed for a peak similar to last year’s (but NOT the huge Omicron surge of January 2022!). In the national wastewater virus sampling graph shown below (from Biobot), you can see that such a peak would put us at about five times the low virus levels of this past summer.
And we have several very effective ways to reduce the spread and reduce our own risk. All of these we have discussed before—here is a handy listing of them, and references to the more detailed reports.
Healthy fresh air ventilation
Of course, this is the least intrusive method—equivalent to a good mask for everyone, without the masks! And air purifiers can augment actual fresh air and save energy at the same time. There is a review of the practical methods to accomplish good fresh air ventilation in our Sept. 15, 2023 posting. If you are gathering in someone’s house and don’t have a Fresh Air (CO2) Meter, the simplest way to tell how much fresh air is enough is to open one or more windows fully, but not so many windows that your heating system cannot keep up with it. At our family’s Thanksgiving with seven people, we had one window open fully, the wood stove cranking away, and the CO2 always less than 700 ppm (“in the green”).
“Sweet spot” humidity
This is a very important and usually ignored aspect of healthy indoor air quality - humidity, the moisture in the air. In the winter in cold climates, we ADD moisture to the air to achieve the ideal minimum of 40% RH (Relative Humidity). This level helps your air passages stay hydrated and be effective in their immune system function, and also impedes the airborne circulation of viruses. (See Dec. 1, 2022 post.)
Antigen tests
For cases where you are gathering with like-minded people who want to avoid unnecessary covid-19 risk, the easiest way is for everyone to get a negative antigen test result that morning. [See Dec. 16, 2022 blog post.] These tests are now readily available and cost as little as $6.50 each (or free, in limited supply, from the federal government). The hardest part of this strategy is to have a compassionate and inclusive way to deal with those members of your group if anyone tests positive. While a negative test should mean the person is not contagious that day, I like having good fresh air ventilation also, which cuts by 80% the risk of transmission of all airborne diseases.
The best masks
There is a very fine assortment of N95 or equivalent masks now, all readily available, as presented in our Oct. 19, 2023 post. Remember the first covid winter of 2020-2021? That year, when most people were wearing masks most of the time, there were hardly any flu cases in the U.S.! (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm)
This is a testament to the effectiveness of masks, and perhaps other factors as well. Of course, the most important time to wear a mask is when you are part of a large number of people in close quarters, as on an airplane, or at a holiday music concert. Remember, more than one out of every 100 people is currently infected with covid-19 and many of them do not even know it.
If you do get covid-19, you can avoid passing it on
If you do get covid-19 again and know it, you can follow the best practices to avoid spreading it to others in your family. See Feb. 9, 2023 Blog Post. I just heard from a reader who followed our instructions when one family member contracted covid-19, and everything worked perfectly—it did not spread! And you can avoid spreading it beyond the family if you delay returning to circulation until you get a negative antigen test.
Again, we’re in much better shape than the huge Omicron surge of January 2022! Be well!
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