If you knew you carried a virus that could make your grandmother sick, what would you do? Would you go visit your grandmother, give her a hug, eat at her dining room table? Of course not.
The problem is- many people infected with coronavirus don’t know they’re infected. In fact as many as 1 in 5 people are sick with the virus in Shelby County. And this sneaky virus sometimes doesn’t make you feel bad until it’s been in your system for up to a week. At Church Health at our drive thru testing station we have 12% positive COVID tests in people without any symptoms. As high as 20-30% positive in people with symptoms.
Being with loved ones during the holidays is one of the traditions we look forward to at this time of year. But as we all know 2020 is not a normal year
If you are thinking about visiting family this holiday season - don’t fly. Airports are full of coronavirus. Drive instead. If it’s too far to drive, stay home and arrange a zoom call instead. If you’re visiting family you don’t live with, wear a mask unless you are eating or in a room by yourself. Sit six feet away from others while you eat - and wash your hands frequently.
Doing these simple things could save your loved ones from spending the rest of their holiday in the hospital.
This is Dr. Susan Nelson from Church Health.