Another Christmas is soon to be upon us. As we come close to the end of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services says we are still seeing a disproportionate number of rural Americans who have not taken precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID and its variants. Therefore, HHS is again calling on rural Americans to do all they can to protect themselves.
Dr. Daniel Livorsi is an Infectious Disease Specialist at the University of Iowa. He talks about the number of rural Americans who are still not vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated has still been proven to be the best way to protect yourself and others around you. Dr. Livorsi says that even with a few breakouts of the disease, the vaccines are working and minimizing the effects of the disease on those who have received their vaccination.
The vaccine is also recommended for those who already contracted the virus. Dr. Livorsi says that it is just another piece of protection to prevent a recurrence of the virus.
Finally, Dr. Livorsi says that he understands there may be some who feel uncomfortable with the newness of the vaccines and how fast they were rolled out. He encourages rural Iowans to not just blindly jump into any matter concerning their health. He asks unvaccinated Iowans to talk with their family doctor and look at what is right for you and your family. Just like you would for any other medical condition.
On a personal note, I also encourage you to talk to your doctor. Since Thanksgiving, the disease has greatly affected the lives of me and my family. Half of my immediate family came down with the virus. One vaccinated and one youngster who was just a few days from receiving his. He had a much tougher time beating the disease back than our vaccinated family member. I also lost a dear friend to the disease who had underlying issues and was unvaccinated. By the time he realized he had more than a simple cold, it was too late for him.
Also, my family has found out about the dangers your body can face, even after the disease has run its course. There are side effects of being positive, that aren?t always mentioned and are very serious.
I would rather you not have a holiday season as my family has. Please take the time to visit with your family doctor.
