Just visited with our ID Doc...here are a few points to ponder...
>The Omicron BA.5 variant is dominant across the U.S., and it's exceptionally transmissible...in fact, even those who have been vaccinated and boosted can get re-infected...MULTIPLE times in a year....BUT, don't take that as an excuse for not getting vaccinated or boosted since those meds absolutely reduce your odds of being hospitalized...
>Even prolonged periods outdoors amongst several other people without masking is a significant risk.
>Again...this isn't the common cold...if you're not vaxxed, it can kill you...as it is still doing.
>Noticeable symptoms come on rather quickly (see link)...runny nose, cough, sore throat...not so much breathing difficulty...
>Test yourself right away (antigen test)...btw, stock up for future gatherings...test the day of the event.
>If you get infected and you're not vaxxed, immunocompromised, or over 50 yrs...certainly over 70 yrs...call in for "PAXLOVID" antiviral medication.
>Mask with KN95, etc. when public indoor settings
>This is "Wedding Season"...be very, very careful in those settings...numerous examples of "spread" being seen.
>This coronavirus isn't going away anytime soon...we need to accept that and make decisions based on your risk factors...AND those of others you may encounter...i..e. be considerate.
Take a look at the linked article...as well as its links shown at the end...very helpful in understanding what the future is likely to be, given what we know now.
That's it...
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/well/ba4-ba5-variant-symptoms.html