COVID-19 safety considerations for individuals with certain medical conditions

Recent changes in masking guidance on Ohio University campuses and in many communities nationwide is welcome news for many individuals who are not at elevated risk if exposed to COVID-19. For some individuals who are at substantial risk due to certain medical conditions, however, masking remains an essential protection against infection.

"It is important for all of us to remember that we can’t see other people’s risk factors,” said Gillian Ice, special assistant to the president for public health operations. “Our classmates and colleagues who have chronic illnesses or who live with someone who has a high-risk medical condition may continue masking for quite some time because, for them, the stakes are higher.”

OHIO’s recent changes in masking requirements align with peer institutions across the state and are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ice points out that although this new guidance does not recommend masking for the general public in communities with medium or low COVID-19 levels, the CDC does recommend that individuals with certain medical conditions or who have household members or social contacts who are at higher risk talk with a health care provider about the need to wear a mask.

Krista Duval, primary care physician and medical director at OhioHealth Campus Care, explained that having a relationship with a primary care provider is important.

"Providers are regularly updated on available treatments and can discuss options with individuals based on risk factors,” Duval said. Available treatment options include monoclonal antibody treatments and oral antiviral medications, though not all options work for every individual and can be in short supply.

Individuals should speak with their health care provider about what treatments may apply given their individual risk factors. Providers also can help individuals with special vulnerabilities talk through “what if” scenarios and evaluate risk. 

Students on the Athens campus without a health care provider can establish care with a provider at Campus Care. Students on regional campuses, as well as faculty and staff who do not have a health care provider, can contact a COVID Campus Liaison (CCL) for recommendations. OHIO community members also can contact a CCL to discuss strategies for staying safe. 

For individuals who have household members or social contacts who are at higher risk, the CDC recommends considering self-testing to detect infection before contact and considering wearing a mask when indoors with them.

Anyone can show support for others who may have a vulnerable health condition through simple actions. “When you visit someone’s office or attend a meeting and someone is wearing a mask, asking if they prefer that you also wear a mask is an easy gesture that shows you care,” Ice said. “And have one with you so that you can slip it on and carry on.”

The primary measures of protection are the same for everyone, regardless of personal health risk: Minimize potential for exposure, consider relative risk when attending events and gatherings, mask when in a high-risk environment, and avoid crowds. 

OHIO community members have access to the following prevention tools:

• High-filtration masks. Recent CDC data show that individuals wearing an N95/KN95 mask indoors in public were 83 percent less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than those who did not. High-filtration masks are an annoyance, but they are highly protective and are available for students, faculty, and staff on all OHIO campuses. 
• Access to asymptomatic testing. Students, faculty, and staff have ready access to both PCR and antigen asymptomatic COVID-19 tests. Testing to ensure negative status before attending an event or visiting a higher-risk person provides a significant layer of protection. Individuals who are at increased risk for severe disease due to a medical condition can test regularly so that they know as soon as possible if they are infected and can discuss treatment options with a health care provider. 
• COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19, including the risk of severe illness and death. The University’s vaccine requirement has created a highly vaccinated environment where the virus is less likely to spread. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are working very well to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, but effectiveness against infection decreases over time. Boosters reduce the risk of being infected with COVID-19, including variants. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are readily available.

“Ohio University is a community of care, and we embrace inclusivity,” Ice said. "Even if you are not at high risk, understanding that the person sitting next to you could be, and thinking of ways to support their efforts to protect themselves, is an easy way to help someone feel included and supported.”

The University will continue to monitor local health conditions and guidance from the CDC, the State of Ohio and local health officials and adjust protocols as needed. Information about the University’s COVID-19 response is available on the Be Safe Bobcats website.