"Assessing the Winter COVID Surge: Viral Claims, Wastewater Data, and Expert Insights"

A viral social media post claims that 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will get COVID during the current winter wave, which experts confirm is the second-largest surge. Wastewater data from the CDC indicates high viral activity, with the JN.1 variant responsible for over 61% of cases. While hospitalizations and deaths are lower than in previous waves, experts stress the importance of taking precautions, including wearing masks, getting vaccinated, and seeking antivirals if infected. The new variant's symptoms are similar to previous ones, and everyone is urged to consider themselves at risk of contracting COVID.