Advice from Dr. John Kim, a family medicine specialist
6 Key Safety Precautions Needed to Be Followed
Dr. John Kim, a clinical professor at UC Irvine and a family medicine specialist, provides practical information on COVID-19 vaccines and booster vaccinations for members of the Korean American community in a question-and-answer format in an easy-to-understand manner.
※All of Dr. Kim’s answers can be viewed in the video below:
▶What should we prepare for the rest of winter?
Dr. Kim: We’ve had a severe winter virus season so far this year, with infections, hospitalizations and deaths increasing. And it’s not over yet. California continues to track the emergence of additional variants of COVID-19. Most of the cases in California are Omicron submutations, but public health officials are watching new mutations closely.
The flu and COVID-19 can occur simultaneously or one after the other and can strain our immune systems. It is important to get vaccinated against this. Your immune system is pretty amazing, but there is a limit to the immune fight it can handle at one time. Your body can struggle to deal with a series of infections, and that’s why the choices you make to protect yourself and others can make a difference to your health this winter.
Ensuring that all eligible household members receive the most up-to-date COVID-19 and flu vaccines, especially during Lunar New Year, will keep your family safe from viruses and serious illnesses this winter.
▶ Is there a way we can better protect ourselves and each other and stay healthy?
Dr. Kim: All Californians should follow six key safety tips when gathering indoors, especially during the winter months.
•Protect with vaccines, boosters and treatments – Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are still your best defense against severe illness and death, and both can be given at the same time. Incidence, hospitalization and mortality were highest among unvaccinated individuals and lowest among individuals who received an additional booster. This is the same for all ages. Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 and the flu can make a difference to your health this winter. If you test positive for COVID-19, call your doctor or immediately contact a “test-to-treat testing and treatment center” where you can get tested and treated. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as symptoms appear.
•Stay home if you are sick – It is very important to stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with others to protect them and give yourself time to heal. This is especially important for respiratory viruses that can cause more severe illness, such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
• Wearing a mask – Wearing a mask in indoor public places is a good way to limit the spread of germs. To get the most out of your mask, choose one that fits snugly and has filtering capabilities. As a rule of thumb, surgical masks are good, KF94, KN95 or KN94 are better, and N95 is best.
•Wash your hands – Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is one easy way to prevent getting sick.
•Cover your cough or sneeze – germs travel far! Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm, or disposable tissue.
• Get tested if you are sick – If you are sick, get tested for COVID-19 when symptoms start. Only then can you decide how to treat it.
▶Who is eligible for improved booster vaccination, and is it safe?
Dr. Kim: Everyone in the family can get the improved vaccine. The bivalent vaccine is approved for use in all people, including children 6 months of age and older. Contact your doctor or local public health unit, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to ensure you and your children are up to date with the latest vaccine series and receive the best winter protection.
The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now confirmed that COVID-19 2 boosters trigger a strong immune response, providing higher levels of antibodies to fight infection.
Research scholars have been studying mRNA for decades, and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have met the same stringent safety and efficacy standards as all other types of vaccines in the United States. These vaccines have been safely administered worldwide to combat COVID-19.
▶When should I get tested if I think I have been exposed to COVID-19? How can I use the free test?
Dr. Kim: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, or headache, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not, you should get tested immediately.
Every household in the United States can get another free home test kit. Visit www.covid.gov/tests or call 1-800-232-0233 to order. If you are unable to purchase a self-test kit at your local pharmacy, you can schedule a free test or visit a test site. Most insurers also cover the cost of up to 8 home exams per person per month, depending on your health insurance coverage.
Flu testing is also available at all COVID-19 testing sites in the state. It takes about 30 minutes to get the test results, and it helps you decide the best course of action to take for treatment. Californians can now conveniently get tested for flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Find a location near you at MyTurn.ca.gov.
▶Is there any treatment that can be received when the corona positive reaction comes out?
Dr. Kim: COVID-19 is highly contagious and can lead to severe illness. If you’ve tested positive, there are some very important steps you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe.
If you test positive for COVID-19, treatment can prevent your symptoms from becoming more severe. Treatment is free and recommended for the majority of adults and those 12 years of age or older with certain experiences and conditions.
If you don’t have a doctor and feel unwell, find a test-to-treat test center near you. If you qualify, you can get a prescription for COVID-19 treatment on-site.