U.S. SARS-CoV-2 Levels are “Very High”
The U.S. now has “Very High” SARS-CoV-2 Levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wastewater Surveillance System published Aug. 13. The U.S. is in a summer surge.
The new FLiRT variants — KP.3, KP.3.1.1, KP.2.3, KP.2 — have erupted, accounting for over 50% of positive tests. Forty-four states have “Very High” or “High” SARS-CoV-2 Levels. In addition, six states, including Washington D.C., have moderate levels. No states have low or minimal levels. There is no available data for North Dakota.
Why are we in a surge?
Experts say this is largely due to lack of mitigation measures. Most Americans are not masking, testing, getting vaccinated or social distancing. As of Aug. 3, only 22.8% of Americans ages 18 and older have had the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. Protection from COVID-19 vaccines also wanes over time, similar to a battery. This is why we have to get the updated vaccines, especially as the virus mutates. We are also no longer told by our medical providers to isolate if we have COVID-19 and are “feeling better.”
For example, my best friend tested positive for COVID-19 on June 13, her 26th birthday. Her doctor told her if she was feeling okay; she was free to go back to work. She was enraged by the medical advice her doctor relayed to her regarding COVID-19.
“Are you serious?!” She said in response, “No. I don’t want to risk giving COVID to anyone.” She then asked for Paxlovid. She was denied, as she didn’t qualify and told she wouldn’t develop Long COVID because she was young.
“My best friend is 26 and has Long COVID. Explain that!” Her doctor said that it was less likely she would develop Long COVID from the newer variants. This is true. But, she was dismissed and told she would be fine.
I was told the same thing in 2020 after I tested positive. We all know how that panned out.
She called me afterward, enraged, “I cannot believe this is what you’ve been dealing with! This doesn’t follow science! Right?” She wanted advice for how to combat the questionable information.
Thankfully, she recovered.
Is COVID-19 a seasonal virus?
We continue to see that COVID-19 commonly has two humps or surges, during the winter and summer. It is not a seasonal virus. Levels fluctuate throughout the year. Meanwhile, flu and RSV tend to surge in the winter.
Experts say that during the winter, people tend to move indoors and with COVID-19’s immune evading mutations, we see more people getting infected both in the winter and the summer. In addition, COVID-19 is still a relatively new virus and mutates quickly.
Will the new Covid vaccines curb the summer surge?
With a new, updated COVID-19 vaccine supposed to come out by late September, it is clear the vaccines will probably not curb the summer surge. However, they will surely help curb COVID-19 as we roll into the fall and winter season.
For now, all we can do is mask up, take a COVID-19 test, stay home if you’re feeling sick, and I will keep you updated regarding when the new COVID-19 vaccines are available.
