COVID-19 Surge This Summer
Hantavirus, Ebola, West Nile, Measles… and, of course, cyclospora, the stomach parasite that’s been causing trouble for many. It seems like Americans have a lot to worry about this summer.
But do you remember COVID-19? It’s a bit startling, really. Many might have started to forget it, thinking we were through the worst. Unfortunately, COVID isn’t ready to be forgotten.
“We’re currently experiencing a summer surge of COVID here in the United States,” says Dr. John Brooks, an infectious disease expert at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, who previously worked at the CDC. “I think a lot of us believe it’s fading, and we’re grateful for that. However, we’re still observing increases across the board nationally.”
The virus is particularly picking up steam again in the South and West, though it’s also rising in the Northeast and Midwest. On a positive note, it’s important to highlight that overall, COVID levels remain low. This current wave seems to follow a trend we’ve seen, becoming milder with fewer people needing hospital care and fewer deaths compared to previous years.
Dr. Brooks mentions, “What we’re witnessing is likely a sign of growing herd immunity. A lot more individuals have had infections giving them some level of immunity, and many have received vaccinations—perhaps even more than one. All this combined offers us significant protection.”
However, that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down entirely. COVID can still leave many feeling under the weather for a week or two, disrupting summer plans and impacting work and school attendance.
For some individuals, COVID remains a serious threat, sometimes leading to emergency visits, hospitalizations, or even death.
“COVID-19 is still hazardous, especially for older adults, infants, and those who are immunocompromised,” warns Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. That’s a notable portion of the population. “If you think about a typical workplace with 20 colleagues, it’s quite likely that one or two may have some degree of immunocompromised status. Thus, it’s common for people to have risk factors that make COVID-19 particularly dangerous.”
Unlike the flu, which typically spikes in winter, COVID tends to see surges in both summer and winter, although the reasons behind this are still unclear.
“It’s a big mystery to me. COVID is the only respiratory virus with a summer season,” Rivers explains. “As far as I know, we haven’t pinned down what drives this seasonality.”
She mentions that she continues to wear masks in crowded settings, like busy airports. Staying updated on vaccinations is important; upcoming shots should align well with the dominant strain circulating currently.
This year, the CDC hasn’t released new vaccine recommendations due to ongoing litigation related to changes in the U.S. immunization policies set during the Trump administration. They’re not suggesting that everyone over six months get an annual shot anymore.
However, major medical organizations still push for vaccinations. Insurers have conveyed that they will continue to cover vaccines. Programs like Vaccines for Children are expected to keep the shots accessible at no cost.
Experts express concerns that the mixed messages surrounding vaccinations could lead to confusion, potentially reducing vaccination rates.
“People should know that both the COVID and flu vaccines will be available, covered by insurers, and recommended by medical organizations. They should get vaccinated, including for their children,” advises Clare Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers.
Additionally, there’s a new medication, Xocava, that individuals can take soon after exposure to COVID to reduce the risk of illness.
Dr. Brooks notes, “It’s something worth keeping in mind.” It could serve as an important tool in hospitals and nursing facilities when dealing with vulnerable populations.
