Cases of COVID-19 are soaring due to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. Dr. Derek Gasper, D.O., a family medicine physician with Northwest Medical Group in Valparaiso, shares what you need to know about the virus.
Omicron appears to spread more easily than the original COVID virus and the Delta variant. Highly transmissible, Omicron moves quickly from person to person, primarily increasing infections and hospitalizations among the unvaccinated along with some breakthrough cases.
“Vaccination remains the best way to reduce the spread of the virus and protect yourself and others from serious illness,” said Dr. Gasper. “Current COVID-19 vaccines still are very effective in reducing the rate and severity of infection caused by the Omicron variant, especially for those who have received the booster.”
Dr. Gasper advises his/her family, friends and patients to get vaccinated or boosted and follow proven practices for reducing the spread of infection: frequent hand-washing, remaining home when you are sick and wearing a mask in crowded spaces. Using a KN95 or surgical mask has been found to be more effective than cloth masks.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 booster shots for individuals 12 and older five months after the completion of the initial series. There are many vaccine locations throughout Northwest Indiana. To find a location visit https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov or call -211.
To find a primary care provider in your area visit NWMedicalGroup.com.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
