How to protect your family against Covid-19 illness this Thanksgiving

The more people attend a gathering, the higher likelihood that someone could be infected and not know it. The risk can be lowered if everyone agrees to take a Covid test the day of the gathering.

Of course, masking is a precaution that will reduce risk, though it’s harder to do when attending events with food and drink. Some individuals who are particularly vulnerable and really want to avoid Covid-19 may wish to wear a high-quality N95 or equivalent mask during indoor gatherings, and only take the mask off when they are outdoors. They should also eat and drink outdoors; that way, they keep their mask on at all times while indoors around others.

CNN: If someone in the family is vulnerable, should everyone else mask and reduce their risk for several days before gathering — in essence, enter a “mini-quarantine”?

Wen: Some families will want to take additional precautions and essentially enter a bubble with one another over the holidays. This is a sensible thing to do if there are vulnerable family members to consider, and when it’s not practical to only see them outdoors.

This mini-quarantine plus testing doesn’t guarantee that everyone in attendance will be free from the coronavirus, but it will help to reduce exposure and risk.

CNN: For those testing before gatherings, when should they test, and with what tests?

Wen: It’s best to test as close to the get-together as possible. The test should definitely be taken the same day as the gathering.

In general, PCR tests are more accurate for picking up early infections compared with antigen tests. The problem is that PCR tests are much less available, especially for same-day results. A home rapid antigen test, if done just before attending an event, can be a helpful tool — with the understanding that there’s still a chance someone could test negative and be carrying the coronavirus.

CNN: Last year, the prevailing advice was to require the vaccine for all attendees at holidays. Is this still important?

Wen: The primary purpose of vaccination is to reduce the likelihood of severe illness. The Covid-19 vaccines are very good at doing this, and that’s the main reason we should all get vaccinated — and that those at risk remain up to date on their shots.

But people who are vaccinated can still carry Covid-19, so vaccination alone is probably not enough of a protection against infection. If you are really worried about contracting the coronavirus, you should take additional steps to protect yourself regardless of whether others you’ll be gathering with are vaccinated.

CNN: The coronavirus isn’t the only virus that families may be worried about. What’s the best way to protect against other currently circulating viruses, like influenza and RSV?

CNN: Many Americans have stopped coronavirus mitigation measures. Why might they want to resume them for the holidays?

Wen: The main reason is if they are getting together with a loved one who wants to continue to be cautious. Many people may not be actively avoiding Covid-19 themselves, and if they are gathering only with others who all feel this way too, that’s one thing. But many people may be getting together with family who are elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. Gatherings are generally planned by taking into the account the needs of the most vulnerable. There are steps we can take to reduce risk and allow for happy, in-person reunions over Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays.