Summer has seen an increase in coronavirus transmission, but experts are cautious about whether it poses a significant public health concern. The US has seen a 10% rise in new COVID-19 hospital admissions, although hospitalizations remain relatively low. Southern, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountain states are experiencing the most significant increase in hospitalizations. California has fared better so far. Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, acknowledges a slight increase in test positivity but questions how sick people will get with a degree of immunity. The increase in transmission is challenging to quantify, as official case counts are unreliable due to at-home testing and reduced data reporting. However, there are other metrics pointing towards an increase. Coronavirus levels in Los Angeles County wastewater have been trending upward, and the statewide test positivity rate has risen to 7.6%. COVID-19 hospitalizations in California have plateaued, with 834 coronavirus-positive patients as of the last Saturday. Deaths have not yet increased, but it typically takes weeks for an uptick in transmission to result in more fatalities. The summer coronavirus uptick is expected due to seasonal patterns and increased travel. The timing is also significant; most people are removed from their last COVID-19 booster shot and exposed to significant virus circulation months ago. The force field of collective immunity is weakening. While deaths haven’t increased, it could be due to lag or lower mortality rates. Prudent steps are still recommended to avoid infection, such as avoiding sick people and getting tested if experiencing symptoms. Carrying a mask is advised for situations where exposure is likely. The rise in viral transmission increases the risk of exposure, and cases of people who haven’t had COVID-19 before getting infected are being reported. In addition to the risk of serious illness, some may develop long COVID. The recent approval of the anti-COVID oral drug Paxlovid can help higher-risk individuals prepare in advance of potential infection. Testing and isolation protocols recommend at least five days of isolation after symptoms begin or a positive test, with the option to exit isolation after the tenth day. Immune-compromised or severe COVID-19 patients should consult a doctor. Californians without insurance or difficulty obtaining anti-COVID medication can use the state’s COVID-19 telehealth service. Free at-home COVID tests are also available at county libraries and vaccination sites.
What can we expect as COVID-19 cases rise with summer travel and socializing? – The Mercury News
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