• Shaggy1050@lemmy.world
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    5 months ago

    I agree. I feel like many people aren’t testing. I had it very mild in June of 2023. I thought it was allergies but tested and sure enough; positive. My fiance thought she had a cold in November of 2023 but decided to test and it was positive. Meanwhile all these people around us have “colds” but aren’t actually testing. I somehow escaped it when my fiance had it so I got a booster last month hoping I can escape this wave and help cut the spread.

    • state_electrician@discuss.tchncs.de
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      5 months ago

      Since COVID became endemic I stopped testing. What does it matter what I have? When I’m sick, I’m sick. I really don’t see how it matters what exactly is causing it.

      • hglman@lemmy.ml
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        5 months ago

        We must normalize staying home for any illness. Testing for the purpose of having good data for public health is important but that isn’t what home covid tests are doing.

        • Shaggy1050@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          Fully agree. My employees have unlimited sicks days. If they’re not feeling well, I’d rather they stay home and rest up. We work with schools so spread happens so quick and easily.

      • Shaggy1050@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        If you stay away from people when you’re sick that definitely helps. The only drawback that is you may be contagious before showing symptoms.

        Getting boosters help reduce spread and reduce risks of complications from viruses (like getting an annual flu shot or Tdap boosters). Not everyone can get the vaccine (i.e. they’re allergic) or individuals may have weakened immune systems and their body can’t produce enough antibodies. If the community continues to test and get boosters, it helps everyone stay healthier and potentially save lives.

        Just because it’s endemic doesn’t mean there’s no more action needed. Hospitals may not be packed like they were (although they still get busy with COVID during peaks stressing the system), it doesn’t mean that you can’t help protect others.

        One of the positive things that came from this pandemic is at home tests (not just for COVID). By testing when sick (whether it’s the flu, COVID, rsv, etc… I’ve had COVID where I really thought it was allergies. Was about to go out to meet with friends and figured I’d test just in case. Sure enough I was positive with what felt like mild hay fever (it was summer time). I’m just glad I tested and didn’t get anyone else sick.