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It’s been four years since Wuhan, China, made national news with a novel virus that was sickening its citizens at a rapid rate. Within weeks, COVID-19 had made it into the United States, shutting down the country by March. Four years, multiple variants and medical advances later, many of us are left wondering what to do about COVID-19.
Gemma Downham, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, epidemiologist and assistant vice president of Patient Safety and Infection Prevention at AtlantiCare, and Manish Trivedi, M.D., director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at AtlantiCare discuss what experts have learned in the last four years.
Jersey’s Best: What are the updated guidelines regarding COVID-19?
Dr. Manish Trivedi: “Right now, there’s a resurgence in the community, which is expected as people congregate indoors this time of year. But the good news is we’re more prepared than ever to combat the virus, and most people have had vaccines and/or natural immunity.”
Manish Trivedi, M.D., director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at AtlantiCare
JB: What are the latest symptoms of COVID-19?
Dr. Trivedi: “Sore throat, shortness of breath, respiratory illness and flu-like symptoms are still reported as the primary manifestations of COVID-19. Luckily, the loss of taste and smell is much less likely to be reported these days.”
JB: Are people still hospitalized with COVID-19?
Dr. Trivedi: “The people hospitalized today do not require as much oxygen and ventilators, and they’re usually not dealing with COVID-19 alone. Typically, there are other underlying conditions.”
JB: What new things have experts learned about COVID-19?
Dr. Trivedi: “COVID-19 has taught us a lot. At the beginning of the outbreak, we were revving up and trying to figure out different ways to fight this virus. Honestly, one of the silver linings of the epidemic was the cooperation among experts, and so much teamwork went into discovering how to beat this novel illness. The collaboration paid off. We’re more comfortable than ever these days and more successful in treating this illness.”
JB: How has COVID-19 changed in the last four years?
Dr. Trivedi: “The virus causes respiratory symptoms first and foremost, with a cough being the most reported symptom. But I think we’ve come to realize that what makes COVID-19 different from other viruses and probably made it so challenging to treat initially was the inflammation it causes throughout the body.”
JB: Tell us more about COVID-19 inflammation.
Dr. Trivedi: “Inflammation caused by COVID-19 is quite interesting. The virus can affect many more organs besides just the lungs. It can inflame the heart, kidneys, and other organs. That’s why preventative medicine is critical when
Gemma Downham, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, epidemiologist and assistant vice president of Patient Safety and Infection Prevention at AtlantiCare
fighting this virus. Get annual health check-ups and manage chronic health conditions by taking prescribed medications and going to follow-up health care appointments.”
JB: Do you recommend the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Gemma Downham: “The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices broadly recommends the new COVID-19 booster for everyone 6 months old and older to protect against serious disease and hospitalization. The booster targets an omicron strain, which is similar to the currently circulating strains. The CDC also recommends prioritizing people with pre-existing conditions, the immunocompromised, and the 65 years and older population.”
JB: Do you still recommend the vaccine if someone recently had COVID-19?
Dr. Trivedi: “It depends on the individual and timing. If you’re previously vaccinated and you’ve had COVID-19, that’s the best-case scenario because your antibodies are high. But your antibodies are probably low if you had COVID-19 three years ago and haven’t been boosted. That’s why it’s important to always talk to your health care provider for advice tailored specifically for you.”
JB: In addition to the vaccine, what are other ways a person can prevent COVID-19?
Downham: “It’s always important to do things to boost your immunity by having a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough rest, good nutrition, regular exercise, and being current on all vaccines and health screenings. Staying home when you are sick, avoiding others who are sick, and washing hands regularly are also key factors in preventing the spread of COVID, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses that usually increase during fall and winter.”
What should someone do if they test positive for COVID-19?
Dr. Trivedi: “Contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health care provider might prescribe Paxlovid, which reduces symptoms and offers some protection. You might also be prescribed Remdesivir, hhgt5 steroids, and other treatments depending on your preexisting conditions. The good news is there are some research-based successful treatments against COVID-19 these days.”
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of Jersey’s Best. Subscribe here for in-depth access to everything that makes the Garden State great.
