Americans are worried about increasing COVID hospitalizations and new variants.

Americans are worried about increasing COVID hospitalizations and new variants.

A Positive Outlook on the New COVID-19 Surge: A Healthy Appreciation for the Risk

A new surge of COVID-19 is currently underway, fueled by seasonal changes and the emergence of new variants. The United States is now grappling with the Omicron variant, named Eris, which has become dominant while a new variant known as BA.2.86 is starting to spread across the country. However, experts are urging the public to react to this surge not with fear, but with a healthy appreciation for the risks involved.

Dr. Steven Gordon, chief of infectious disease at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes that there is no need to panic about the new variants. He reassures us that while cases are indeed increasing, overall hospitalizations are still lower than what has been seen at other points in the pandemic. This is largely due to the fact that most people have at least some level of immunity either from vaccination or previous infection. As a result, the severity of illness and hospitalizations has been reduced. Nonetheless, individuals who are immunocompromised or live with someone who is immunocompromised should exercise more caution.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 21.6% increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 in the most recent week, with 12,613 admissions reported. Additionally, the percentage of COVID-19 infections resulting in death has also increased by 21.4% compared to the previous week. However, some of this surge can be attributed to the seasonal nature of COVID-19. As Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security explains, the uptick in cases during the summer may be a result of people moving indoors to avoid the heat, where transmission of the virus is more efficient.

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, agrees with Dr. Adalja’s assessment. He highlights that the warm weather has led people to gather indoors, increasing the chances of viral transmission. Furthermore, extensive travel without mask usage has also contributed to the current surge.

Regarding the new variants, Dr. Schaffner explains that the Eris variant, like its Omicron predecessors, is highly contagious but does not appear to cause severe illness. Vaccines continue to offer protection against this variant. On the other hand, the BA.2.86 variant is still being closely monitored by the CDC. While it shares characteristics with Omicron, there is uncertainty about its severity. The concern lies in the more than 30 gene changes compared to its ancestor, BA.2. This raises the possibility that BA.2.86 might be more contagious or cause more severe illness. Nonetheless, the emergence of new variants should not be a cause for alarm. As Dr. Adalja notes, it is a natural consequence of viral evolution. Additionally, the virus has progressively lost its ability to cause severe disease due to widespread immunity in the population and the availability of antiviral therapies.

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Waning immunity is another factor contributing to the current surge. Many individuals have not received all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations or have not been recently infected. Only 28% of adults 18 and older are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. In light of this, Dr. Schaffner suggests that people should energize their efforts to get vaccinated and recommends waiting for the new booster shot scheduled for release in the fall. This booster, designed to be a better match for circulating strains, will provide improved protection.

However, Dr. Schaffner also acknowledges that there are situations where individuals might want to go ahead and get the current booster if they haven’t already. For example, someone who is at high risk and planning to travel may opt to receive the current booster before getting the new one in October. Ultimately, the decision to wear masks depends on an individual’s risk tolerance and the risk posed to those around them. While some places like hospitals and medical clinics will likely adopt mask usage during cold and flu seasons, others may choose to remain cautious and wear masks in enclosed spaces with large crowds, particularly if they are at high risk.

In conclusion, the new surge of COVID-19 should be met with a positive outlook and a healthy appreciation for the risks involved. Vaccination and immunity play crucial roles in reducing the severity of illness and hospitalization. While new variants continue to emerge, the virus is gradually becoming less potent. However, it is essential to maintain preventive measures, such as wearing masks in high-risk situations, until a significant portion of the population is fully vaccinated and protected. By remaining vigilant and acknowledging the virus’s potential, we can navigate this surge with confidence and resilience.