"Omicron Can Infect Anyone... Respond with '7 Steps'"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the daily number of COVID-19 cases worldwide is explosively increasing, citizens' anxiety is growing, and there are even opinions that existing infection prevention guidelines may be insufficient to cope with this situation.

On the 7th, the U.S. public radio NPR stated, "Since it is impossible to know who will contract COVID-19 and become severely ill, it is still important to follow prevention guidelines," and based on expert advice, presented a 7-step action plan to follow for physical and mental health when facing COVID-19 risks.

▲ Step 1: Accurately confirm whether you have contracted 'COVID-19'

If you have symptoms of COVID infection such as fever, headache, sore throat, or gastrointestinal issues, you should test yourself as soon as possible using a self-antigen test kit. However, since self-antigen tests have lower accuracy, you should not go out or contact others even if the result is negative.

Dr. Cassandra Pierre, head of public health at Boston Medical Center, explained, "The Omicron variant often shows negative results on days 1 to 2 of symptom onset but positive results on days 3 to 4," adding, "If the rapid test is positive, infection should be confirmed with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test."

▲ Step 2: If COVID-19 infection is confirmed, inform those around you and cancel outside plans

Even if symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, it is important to inform unvaccinated individuals or those with underlying conditions who are at high risk of severe illness so they can take precautions.

Dr. Michael Smith of Duke University School of Medicine said, "Inform friends and coworkers you have met, your child's friends, and schools about the infection, and thereafter refrain from going out and contacting others."

Dr. Veil Wright, senior director of medical innovation at the American Psychological Association (APA), pointed out, "When infected with COVID, there is an instinctive reaction to feel shame or guilt, thinking 'What did I do wrong?' but in reality, you may have done nothing wrong," emphasizing that there is no need for self-blame.

▲ Step 3: If you are high-risk or symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical help

Most Omicron variant infections show cold-like symptoms and can be treated at home with hydration and rest, but if the infected person, their children, or cohabitants belong to high-risk groups, it is advisable to seek medical assistance.

Dr. Matt Leonardo of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine said, "Check if the infected person has difficulty breathing, severe gastrointestinal symptoms that make hydration difficult, changes in mental status or confusion, or signs of abnormal oxygen or blood flow to the brain."

Dr. Michael Smith advised paying close attention to symptoms in infants who cannot verbally express themselves, noting that signs of respiratory distress indicate insufficient oxygen supply, so hydration and respiratory status should be carefully monitored.

▲ Step 4: Establish appropriate treatment and lifestyle strategies at home during self-isolation

First, check if there are high-risk individuals such as elderly, immunocompromised, or those with underlying conditions in the family, and if treatment is needed for them, plan how to respond in consultation with medical professionals.

Self-isolation can be very stressful for children. If the infected person is a parent, preparations should be made in advance regarding who will care for the children and how the children will behave and live inside the house.

Dr. Michael Smith said that household cleaning, such as wiping frequently touched surfaces, is important, but the best way to protect family members is to wear masks and wash hands frequently.

▲ Step 5: Lower expectations if your child has COVID-19

Dr. Smith said, "Children are just children, and expectations should be age-appropriate," adding, "Teenagers may be able to do so, but younger children will not self-isolate in their rooms."

He added, "It is good for everyone in the house to wear masks, but for babies and young children, wearing masks can be very stressful," and "The best mask for children, whether surgical or fine dust masks, is the one they can actually wear."

Dr. Veil Wright of the APA said, "Children easily pick up on adults' moods, so it is important for adults to regulate their emotions well," urging adults to show children how to manage stress through positive thoughts and lifestyles.

▲ Step 6: Manage stress and seek help from those around you

Dr. Wright recommended finding activities that help overcome stressful times, such as listening to podcasts, and advised not to try to endure difficult times alone but to ask for help from family or friends if needed.

Dr. Pierre said that online activities like grocery shopping online can be a good way to pass time, but if feelings become overwhelming, professional help should be sought.

▲ Step 7: Prepare to return to daily life after recovering from COVID-19

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that if symptoms improve, such as no fever for 24 hours without using fever reducers, it is acceptable to return to daily life after 5 days while wearing a mask. However, it is recommended to continue wearing a mask for at least 5 more days thereafter.

Although most people are no longer contagious after 5 days, some experts advise confirming a negative rapid test before going to public places without a mask.

Dr. Pierre, whose twin children recovered from COVID-19, feels relieved thinking her family has developed super immunity but recommends continuing to follow prevention guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing because many aspects of COVID-19 remain unknown.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.