Did you know that May 28 is International Women’s Health Day? While we still have a lot to learn about COVID-19, there is mounting evidence that the disease can disproportionately affect the health of women, pregnant people, and frontline workers. Here’s what we know about it and what we can do to keep ourselves and the women in our lives safe:
Women are more likely than men to suffer from prolonged COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the 9.4% of women experience persistent COVID-19 conditions compared to 5.5% of men. Preliminary research suggests that a combination of biological and social factors may be responsible.
Pregnant people are more prone to complications from COVID-19 than people who are not pregnant. According to the CDC, pregnant people are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and may require hospitalization, use of a ventilator, or special breathing equipment. Pregnant people who contract COVID-19 also have more likely to experience pregnancy complicationsincluding premature birth or stillbirth.
Despite facing increased risks from COVID-19, pregnant people are also disproportionately affected by misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 7 out of 10 people who are or plan to become pregnant were swayed by one or more negative myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, pregnant people often are less willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 than other groups, despite the fact that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and beneficial for both pregnant people and their babies.
COVID-19 has increased maternal mortality. A recent report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) found that there were more than 365,000 cases and 3,000 deaths from COVID-19 among pregnant women in the Americas in the last two years.
Female caregivers have contracted COVID-19 at higher rates. UN Women reports that 7 out of 10 healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 in the United States they are women. Besides, care industries are often more dependent on womenwho are more likely to be working on the front lines caring for COVID-19 patients.
While there is more to learn about the impact of COVID-19 on women, we can take action to protect ourselves. These 4 actions can help you and your community today:
Get up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines while they’re still free, and help your loved ones get vaccinated too: You are up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations once you have completed the core COVID-19 vaccination schedule and have received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC. The updated vaccines are safe, effective, and particularly recommended for pregnant and lactating people and their babies, who are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. Find out if you and your friends and family are eligible for a new booster dose here or call Una Voz para la Salud, +1 737-414-5121.
Continue to take preventative measures at work and in your community: We already have a lot of evidence that good quality masks, ventilation, and good hygiene are effective in reducing the risks of contracting COVID-19. These simple measures can prevent infections, minimize the effects of long-term COVID-19, and save lives.
Get tested: COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests are available at no cost to the general public, including the uninsured, at more than 15,000 sites across the United States. Search for free COVID-19 tests here.
Know your labor rights: chat with Sol to resolve your doubts about your rights to miss work due to illness, to work under healthy and healthy conditions, and protections against retaliation, among others. Then, work with your co-workers to identify opportunities to improve working conditions and support each other.
2023-05-26 23:15:38
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