FORT MYERS
One doctor says it is not yet time to let your guard down when it comes to COVID-19. While cases appear to be slowing down again, they say we could be looking at another dominant variant soon, and another surge.
Based on the history of the virus, Doctor James Taylor said that, unfortunately, we could expect another variant in three to four months.
There is a plus to this though. While the omicron variant was more contagious, Taylor said it caused less lung damage and wasn’t as deadly.
He thinks the virus will continue to fade over the next few years until it is similar to something like the seasonal flu.
The omicron variant has become the dominant strain in America, but there are many variants worldwide. Doctor Taylor said most variants die off before spreading throughout the population.
“I’m an optimist. I think things are going to continue to get better. I think our immune system as a society is going to get stronger and stronger, and this virus is going to get weaker and weaker. And as we see new variants form, they will get shorter in duration and shorter and intensity,” said Taylor.
You can take preventive measures to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 other than masking up and getting vaccinated.
Doctor Taylor said if you have been eating vegetables, fruits, and healthy meats, you are already doing it. Eating healthy can protect you from the virus.
Other important preventative measures include keeping your stress levels low and having your doctor check your Vitamin D levels.
Doctor Taylor said people with low Vitamin D were reported to have increased hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19.
While the virus spreads through the nose and mouth, it is important to focus on your nasal and oral hygiene.
Doctor Taylor said that using nasal spray and mouth wash can make you less susceptible.
“I like to use a nasal spray that may have what’s called carageenan, or xylitol in it, these are molecules that actually bind virus and when they bind virus, they don’t bind to your mucous membranes. So using a nasal spray that has one of those two ingredients may protect you and your mucosal membranes from getting COVID in the first place. So psychologically, before I go to church, I take a little nasal spray, and after church, I do the same thing.”
These are good preventatives to keep in mind if you plan to travel.
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