COVID-19 is still raging — something anyone at high risk or who is immunocompromised could have told you long ago — and right now there is a huge surge of infections across the United States.
Infectious disease experts say it’s relatively unusual to see outbreaks during the summer months, but with the heat wave (or heatwave, depending on where you live), more people are gathering indoors to enjoy the air conditioning and seek respite from the rising temperatures and humidity.
There are currently 39 states where COVID-19 outbreaks are increasing or likely to increase, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that a decline is unlikely in the near future.
Related: Surprising New Study Finds 75% of Former COVID-19 Patients May Have This Heart Condition
“The public health community is concerned that a summer surge in COVID-19 cases could occur due to the new FLiRT variants combined with lower vaccine coverage and waning immunity in the community, as well as increased travel and indoor gatherings during the summer,” said the board-certified medical epidemiologist and pathologist. Dr. David A. Schwartz, MD, M.Sc. Hyg, FCAPtell Parade“Laboratory research suggests that current vaccines and immunity acquired from previous infection may not be effective in producing high levels of protection, particularly in some people with risk factors such as those with underlying medical conditions, those who are immunocompromised, and the elderly.”
Dr. Ashley L. Drews, MDHouston Methodist epidemiologist, points out: “We’ve seen COVID surges every summer since the pandemic began, but this one seems to be starting earlier in the summer than the COVID surges of the previous summer. We’re likely seeing a surge now because the most widely circulating variants, the FLiRT variants, have mutated and evaded the immune system even more, coupled with a waning of immunity overall. Uptake of the updated COVID vaccine has been low in the fall of 2023.”
Additionally, while hospitalizations are low compared to the peak of the pandemic in 2020, they are still up from where they were in the spring.
“Emergency room visits for COVID-19 increased more than 14% from the previous week,” said the infectious disease physician at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Dr. Shirin Mazumder, MD“COVID-related hospitalizations also increased by 25% compared to the previous week.
In fact, those numbers will likely increase even further as people travel for July 4th holidays and long weekends — and those numbers don’t even take into account long COVID, which can persist for months or longer in some patients and be quite serious.
Here’s what you need to know about the current wave of COVID-19, what symptoms to watch for, how to stay safe and protect yourself and others.
Related: This Thermostat Setting Could Help Protect You Against New COVID Variant, Infectious Disease Experts Say
What is the most common symptom of the COVID-19 wave from June to July 2024?
Infectious disease experts and epidemiologists we spoke with agreed that the most common symptom of the current wave of COVID-19 is a sore throat.
“Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of COVID right now seems to be a sore throat with or without a mild fever,” said an infectious disease specialist. Dr. Andreas M. Kogelnik, MD, PhD.he tells us. “I say unfortunately because, of course, a sore throat can be attributed to many different causes.”
This is especially true for people with seasonal allergies, which makes it easier to dismiss the symptom as high pollen counts rather than a contagious infection like COVID.
Other commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 include:
-
Body aches
-
Chills
-
Congestion
-
Cough
-
Fatigue
-
Fever
The good news? Loss of smell and taste, which were common symptoms of previous COVID strains, are now rare.
And more good news: “COVID symptoms have remained very consistent over the last two years,” Dr. Mazumder said. “Based on the information available so far, there does not appear to be an increase in the severity of symptoms with respect to hospitalizations and deaths related to the strains currently circulating.”
Related: The first early sign of COVID-19 that most people don’t notice, infectious disease expert says
How can you protect yourself from new COVID-19 variants?
We can start by not ignoring the fact that COVID-19 is still very much here, even if our governments want to pretend otherwise.
“COVID-19 continues to change and adapt around us,” says Dr. Kogelnik. “The current wave of COVID-19, with milder symptoms, and widespread fatigue from precautions taken at the height of the pandemic are more than enough for many people to forget about handwashing and other protective measures, which in turn allows a persistent virus to persist even longer.”
In addition to hand washing (which you should be doing anyway!), wearing a mask, self-isolating, and getting tested frequently can all help protect yourself and others from the current wave of COVID.
Related: The Simplest COVID-19 Prevention Tip Most People Forget, According to Infectious Disease Experts
Should you get a COVID booster shot to protect yourself from the surge?
The answer to this question will depend on when (or not!) you received the last COVID-19 booster dose, distributed last fall, and your overall health.
“While there will most likely be an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall, people over six months of age who have not received their current booster dose should consider getting vaccinated,” says Dr. Mazumder. “People who are immunocompromised and those over 65 are eligible to receive another booster dose of the vaccine even if they received one last fall. As long as it has been at least four months since their last vaccine, people in this category can receive another booster dose. The COVID-19 vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With a summer surge expected, now is a great time to get up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine.”
If you got your booster shot last fall, you’re probably safe if you don’t have any other pre-existing conditions or risks for complications, according to an infectious disease doctor. Dr. Robert Salata, MDhe says, but you should definitely roll up your sleeves for the next dose in late summer. He notes: “A new vaccine will be developed primarily against the most common strains and should be available early this fall.”
Following, Here’s How Long COVID Is Contagious After You Test Positive