Can we let our guard down? Here’s what we know about how contagious COVID is in KC
It’s official: COVID-19 case numbers are falling in the Kansas City area. But as hospitals remain crowded and death rates stagnate, one question is on many people’s minds: when can we let our guard down?
The answer depends on what activities you hope to resume, who you interact with regularly and your vaccination status. Here’s what area doctors had to say.
Can we let our guard down around catching the virus?
“Individuals still need to be very careful,” said Dr. Jackie Hyland, chief medical officer of the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis Campus, in a news briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 9. “If individuals are vaccinated and boosted, and if they’re with other individuals who are vaccinated and boosted, then I think you can let your guard down.”
She added that those who live or work with immunocompromised people still need to take extra precautions, and that everyone should continue to practice infection control measures like washing their hands, wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance from others.
“We know that [the virus] is still out there, we know it can still cause severe disease, and you need to take those risks and benefits into account,” added Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease specialist at The University of Kansas Health System.
Here’s where to get a free COVID-19 vaccine in the Kansas City area.
How long are COVID-19 patients contagious?
“Most [COVID patients] will no longer be contagious within about 10 days after onset of symptoms,” Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious disease physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, told The Star.
A positive COVID-19 test result soon after you have recovered from the illness doesn’t necessarily mean you are still contagious. Both home and PCR tests detect the presence of the virus in your system, but aren’t designed to tell whether you are spreading it to others.
The CDC states that COVID-19 patients are most contagious roughly two days before and three days after the onset of symptoms. Since you can begin developing symptoms of the omicron variant as soon as two days after contact, you may be contagious as soon as you are exposed.
Most people will recover from their illness within the ten-day contagion window. If you experience symptoms for longer than ten days, the CDC advises that you continue to isolate yourself until you feel better.
Here’s what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
Is life getting “back to normal”?
“There is no way we are going to eradicate this virus,” White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told the Financial Times on Tuesday, Feb. 8. “But I hope we are looking at a time when we have enough people vaccinated and enough people with protection from previous infection that the Covid restrictions will soon be a thing of the past.”
But Kansas City isn’t out of the woods yet. Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, noted that area hospitals are still struggling with high patient numbers and staffing shortages.
“Folks, here’s the deal. We are COVID-better,” he said in a news briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 9. “We are most certainly not COVID-good. And we are clearly not COVID-free.”
Do you have more questions about staying safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Ask our service journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com or use the form below.
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