COVID-19 cases are on the rise, nationally and in Tulsa County. The data is bringing new questions, mainly two of them: “Should I get vaccinated?” and “What do I do if I get COVID?”
The national emergency for COVID-19 ended in 2023 and the Centers for Disease Control combined guidelines for all respiratory viruses last year. The newest variant, XFG or “Stratus,” made up 85% of cases as of late September, according to the CDC.
Madison Thomas, an epidemiologist with the Tulsa Health Department, said Stratus is highly contagious, but is no more severe than previous variants in the Omicron family.
The CDC says people can resume “normal activities” after being fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
“You can go back to normal activities once you’re feeling better, but just know for about five days you might still be a little contagious,” Thomas said. “Make sure to be cautious around anybody who might be compromised or at a higher risk for developing severe illness.”
COVID-19 is starting to show seasonal trends similar to the flu, Thomas said.
While guidelines are straightforward, vaccine access is a different story. Dr. Audrey Corbett recommends the vaccine to her patients, but recent guideline changes by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) make vaccine eligibility less clear.
“It creates some barriers for the patient,” said Corbett, the interim chair of the internal medicine department at the OU School of Community Medicine in Tulsa. “The fear is that insurance won’t pay for it, and you can’t have access to the vaccine unless you meet those guidelines.”
Medical societies like the American College of Physicians have issued vaccine guidelines that differ from the CDC. Mixed messages have fueled uncertainty among the public, Corbett said.
“There’s a lot of mistrust with the evidence behind what the CDC is recommending,” Corbett said. “Before this, the health care side was pretty strong, and now we’re seeing a shift where we see a distrust of the evidence of the societies that used to provide us their recommendations.”
As of Oct. 6, the CDC adopted a shared decision-making approach. Adults 65 and older and those with pre-existing conditions should discuss vaccinations with their doctor. However, most people can still get the shot after consulting a provider.
Corbett said the changes are complex, but believes people have the right to make their own choices concerning vaccines.
“If you have hesitation or are concerned about the vaccines, let’s talk through it,” Corbett said. “Just take it step by step, and if you’re ready, you’re ready. If you’re not, then that’s a personal choice as well.”
For those feeling overwhelmed, she advises turning to medical professionals.
“I always tell my patients, I’m right there with you with the confusion, because I think if you read the news any day, it’s going to be confusing,” Corbett said. “Find yourself a good doctor to talk with you about it.”
For updated information or help finding vaccines, check the CDC’s website and Oklahoma’s ViralView page. Erica Rankin, a spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said the department updates COVID-19 data every Thursday.
If you are having trouble finding information or have questions, Thomas said the county health department is always available to answer questions. The department’s main number is 918-582-9355.
“We are just a phone call away,” Thomas said. “They can just give us a call and they’ll get connected with someone, and we’re happy to help them.”
Hayden Alexander is a freelance contributor to the Tulsa Flyer.
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