As COVID cases continue to rise, health officials are preparing for the decline and the emergence of new variants
Anecdotally, it seems like “everyone knows someone who is sick.” COVID-19 right now.” CNN. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of cases rose throughout August, with hospitalizations up 19% over the past week (CDC) data updated Thursday. The number of hospital admissions is still about 35% of last winter’s increase, but now that the The CDC has stopped tracking cases in May and the population has stopped testing so frequently that it has become more difficult to see the full extent of new waves.
Experts say the CDC data is likely understated. Some use wastewater to determine how much the virus is circulating treasure 621,837 new cases are being reported each day, about 50% of last winter’s rate. All variants currently circulating are mutations of the omicron strain of the virus, with top Variants EG.5 (nicknamed “Eris”) and FL.1.5.1 (nicknamed “Fornax”) together account for 36% of cases.
The situation has become more unpredictable since the emergence Variants like BA.2.86, also known as “Pirola”, which worries scientists could be cause for concern if it is widespread. In response to this summer’s wave, Pirola, UK, in particular, responded accelerated the launch of its new vaccines. There is a new batch of vaccines in the US that are supposed to work against it Variants are currently in circulation, will be available mid-September. Meanwhile, some places are reducing the mask requirement, NPR reported.
COVID isn’t the only virus on the radar as the colder months draw closer. Other viruses such as the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for which a new vaccine was recently approved for people aged 60 and over, also peak in the winter months. A safe strategy to avoid getting infected with all these viruses is to do the following: Get vaccinated in September or October. As always, following standard COVID protocols, including masking, can help reduce the spread of disease.
