More to the Story with Staley: Booster update

Dr. Tracei Ball says we need to stay vigilant, because we're still in a pandemic.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WDEF) — In case you were wondering, most experts say we’re still in the pandemic. Even though many of us struggle to see it as an ongoing threat.

Let’s face it. We’re all tired of it. Shots, sanitizers, masks: things we’ve done, and do, to stay as safe as possible during this pandemic.

Dr. Tracei Ball, who founded Oncall Mobile Medical and Wellness in Charlotte, says we need to stay vigilant. Because yes, we’re still in a pandemic.

“I think most of us thought we’d be out of this by now,” Ball said. “So, it’s been prolonged. It’s just a good reason that we should all work together, so we can get back to normalcy.”

Dr. Ball says that degree of normalcy will almost certainly include living with COVID, in some way, shape or form. And now, there’s a new Omicron strain: XBB.1.5. It could be a serious threat, as we’re still in the winter months.

Dr. Ball says do yourself a favor: don’t take unnecessary risks.

“I look at it this way: if we go outside in the winter, we layer our protection. With a coat, hat, scarf and gloves. It’s the same thing with COVID protection. Layer up to help prevent the virus,” Ball said.

Dr. Ball says there are still many differing opinions on everything surrounding COVID. She says it’s not surprising. Different people, different generations.

DR. TRACEI BALL, ONCALL MOBILE MEDICAL AND WELLNESS;
“Each expert brings their own experience to the table. And it’s important to have different voices at that table,” Ball said “We have those voices. We can come to a consensus to help save lives from COVID.”

Health care is always a personal thing. But Dr. Tracei Ball says, in her opinion, it’s more important than ever to stay current on your vaccinations.