Charlotte Doctor Offers Realistic COVID-19 Thanksgiving Advice

CHARLOTTE, NC — Dr. David Priest with Novant Health provided a briefing Tuesday morning explaining the amount of COVID risk is really dependent on each individual family. While many many feel this holiday season is post-pandemic, Dr. Priest says that is not the case.

Novant Health alone is treating 150 COVID-19 patients, up 30 patients from just a couple weeks ago. "We have trended back up over the last couple weeks," said Dr. Priest. He says that 85 to 90 percent of new hospital patients are unvaccinated against the virus. Hospitalized patients who have been vaccinated typically got their shots at the beginning of the year, he explained.

COVID-19 booster shots have been recommended across the board for those who received the initial two-dose sequence already of the MRNA vaccines or the single-dose of Johnson and Johnson's shot.

The local uptick mirrors the national numbers as well; COVID cases are up 27 percent nationally and 140,000 children tested positive in the past week. Dr. Priest reiterated that most child infections are not life-threatening and very few end up hospitalized, but says he has seen very sick children.

He believes the country will not see a spike in cases reminiscent of last holiday season when no vaccine was available.

"We anticipate that will lea to some further spread given that we have individuals who are not vaccinated, and people will be indoors," he said. "We do not anticipate the type of fall we had last year."

For those who are going to be dining inside with people you don't already live with, Dr. Priest advises common sense approaches to gathering.

"If you're vaccinated and you know those around you at the dinner table are vaccinated, you can celebrate Thanksgiving normally and without masks," he said.

However, if you are in a mixed group of unvaccinated and vaccinated people, take caution.

"We do recommend masking if you're traveling and in closed spaces with individuals who may not be vaccinated," said Dr. Priest.

He says he understands there are different beliefs and arguments among family members pertaining to COVID-19. "As we've said from the beginning, you really have to understand your own risk and the risk of those around you," said Dr. Priest.

He says for family members who are elderly or immuno-compromised, masking is key. Opening a window and making sure there's adequate ventilation is also helpful.

Another option to keep in mind is the availability of rapid COVID-19 tests. They're in drug stores now and can provide a result within moments. It's a simple swab that goes in each nostril for 15 seconds, and it doesn't need to be deeply inserted into the nose. That could give family members peace of mind before gathering, or help rule out COVID if a person starts feeling unwell during a trip.

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