Dr. BCW, Dr. Curry-Winchell, mets with Nevada Independent to review the upcoming holidays and provides tips on awkward COVID conversations.

Ready the full Nevada Independent article here

You can see and feel it all around: The holiday season is officially here, and there is a true sense of excitement to travel again, gather together and get back to our normal lives. 

As we make and finalize plans, there are a few things to be mindful of during this time, especially as we visit with friends and family. First, remember that we are, unfortunately, still grappling with containing the COVID-19 virus even with vaccines and booster shots readily available to most Americans.

When planning to gather with loved ones and travel, here are a few tips to help  protect you and your family as you continue to navigate this environment.

Have “The Talk”

Though it can be uncomfortable and awkward to discuss, have an honest discussion up front about who is and is not vaccinated. Prior to engaging in those conversations, think about your values and comfort level when it comes to COVID-19 and the vaccine. This approach will allow you to set the tone for how you proceed with hosting or participating in holiday events.

Once you have decided your comfort level, and if you decide you need to know the vaccination status of those who also will attend an event, share that with people — and provide a reason as to why it’s personally important to you to know the information. 

For example, even before the vaccine rollout, I would share with people that I wasn’t comfortable going to certain events because I had a 98-year-old father and didn’t want to risk transmitting the virus to him. Communicating your personal reasons, such as, “I’m nervous and don’t want someone to get ill from my gathering,” can help prevent others from becoming defensive…

Dr. BCW continues on The Nevada Independent.

Nevada Independent: Tips for navigating the holidays and awkward COVID conversations