The medical director of the Onondaga County Health Department is asking the public to take COVID more seriously and be mindful of ways to prevent the spread due to the rise in local cases. The department is asking people who haven’t received the latest booster to consider doing so. Dr. James Alexander says the majority of the public no longer takes the virus seriously.
“You know, a lot of people now seem to be saying, well, I got COVID last time and maybe it was the second or third time I had it. My symptoms were quite mild and yeah, it's not so bad. Well, you need to keep in mind that that COVID is more than just an acute illness. Long COVID can be a multi-year or maybe lifelong condition where it can affect your memory, it can affect your sense of Wellness, it can affect your general health.”
Alexander says COVID cases increasing this time of year, along with influenza after holiday gatherings is something to anticipate but, it’s not a true seasonal pattern of activity. However, the doctor explains going into year four with COVID is a good time to remind ourselves about efforts of the past.
“We know how to reduce the likelihood of getting sick. We know how to reduce the likelihood of people dying from COVID and influenza, and that's to get vaccinated.”
Doctor Alexander says people should also be mindful to wash their hands and wear a mask, especially in crowded places. For more information about the virus you can click here.