Silver Cross Offers COVID-19 Updates, Holiday Precautions

NEW LENOX, IL — Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox on Monday posted a video on YouTube to update the public on COVID-19 infections in the area, and offer suggestions on how the public can remain safe during the holiday season.

The five-minute video is titled "Omicron variant with Dr. Atul Gupta." Gupta, Silver Cross Hospital's medical director of infection prevention. The video covers:

• The current state of COVID-19.
• The importance of booster vaccines.
• The omicron variant.
• How to stay safe over the holidays.

"Over the past several weeks, we've unfortunately seen a large increase in the number of COVID cases statewide, and the positivity percentage has gone up, as well," Gupta said. "That's unfortunately translated into a large increase in our hospitalizations here at Silver Cross."

Gupta tells viewers that "the vast majority" of COVID-19 cases at Silver Cross are among those who are unvaccinated. Those who are vaccinated and admitted for COVID-19 are showing less severe symptoms, Gupta said.

Gupta said "the most important message" is the importance of getting a vaccine against COVID-19, and following that up with a booster. The Will County Health Department recommends getting a booster shot six months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine for those ages 16 and older; six months after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine for those ages 18 and older; and two months after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Will County residents can find vaccine locations by visiting willcountyhealth.org.

Gupta said that while people are concerned about the contagiousness of the newest omicron variant of COVID-19, the majority of cases in Illinois are still made up of the delta variant. He added early data suggests that the Pfizer vaccine and booster shot in particular seems to provide protection against the omicron variant.

"It all comes back to the message of vaccinations and boosters to protect against severe disease," Gupta said.

As for the holidays, Gupta said his advice is to avoid large gatherings with family members who are unvaccinated, and, if at all possible, to get tested before any such gatherings. Anyone who has any COVID-19 symptoms should avoid holiday gatherings altogether, Gupta said.

"The good news is that if you are planning a Christmas gathering, there is still time to get a booster, there's still time to start a vaccine series to get get some protection prior to that gathering and, again, to avoid serious illness and hospitalization from COVID," Gupta said.

Related:

• IL Reports Most COVID-19 Cases Of The Year: 11,858 In Single Day
• New Free COVID-19 Testing Site Opens In Frankfort As Cases Surge
• When Will COVID-19 Pills Be Available In Illinois?