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Winter Surge

All articles tagged with #winter surge

health2 months ago

Winter COVID Surge: Areas at 'Very High' Risk and Key Indicators

COVID-19 activity is increasing in parts of the U.S., especially in the Northeast and Western states, with the XFG (Stratus) and Nimbus variants now dominant. While overall cases are lower than pandemic peaks, the virus remains a concern, and new vaccine recommendations have been issued for winter 2025. Monitoring wastewater levels helps track community spread, and precautions are advised for at least five days after infection. Vaccination remains a key tool, especially for vulnerable populations.

via Axios|
#cdc#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

Rapid Global Spread of Covid Variant JN.1: What You Need to Know

The JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization due to its rapid global spread. Although the risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines still offer protection, the WHO warns of a potential increase in Covid-19 and other infections this winter. JN.1 is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States and is spreading quickly in many parts of the world. It has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to its predecessor, and more studies are needed to determine its impact on health and vaccine effectiveness. The WHO advises following preventive measures such as wearing masks, practicing good hygiene, and getting vaccinated.

via BBC.com|
#covid-19#health#jn1-variant
health2 years ago

"COVID Cases Surge: US Sees 50% Increase in Four Weeks, Holiday Season at Risk"

COVID levels in wastewater have started to increase after Thanksgiving, but hospitalizations and deaths remain significantly lower than last year. Built-up immunity from past infections and vaccinations may help mitigate a winter surge of the virus. The seven-day average of COVID levels in Eastern Massachusetts wastewater is currently over 20% lower than the same day last year. However, as temperatures drop and people gather indoors for the holidays, cases are expected to rise. Experts are monitoring the BA.2.86 variant, an offshoot of Omicron, which accounts for a percentage of cases but does not appear to be driving increases in infections or hospitalizations in the US. Precautions such as vaccinations, masking, and testing are still recommended, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

via The Boston Globe|
#covid-19#deaths#health
health2 years ago

Expanded COVID Testing Program Provides Additional Free Tests for Households During the Holidays

The US government is allowing households to order an additional four free COVID-19 tests ahead of the holidays to prepare for a potential rise in cases. The website covidtests.gov is offering these tests, which can be ordered online. Health officials anticipate a similar number of hospitalizations this winter as last year, and they encourage people to take advantage of the free tests to protect vulnerable loved ones during gatherings. The tests are also nearing their expiration dates, prompting the need to distribute them. The funding for the tests comes from a $600 million investment in domestic test manufacturers.

via ABC News|
#covid-19#free-tests#health
health2 years ago

Rapid Spread of HV.1 and JN.1 Covid Variants Raises Concerns

The highly contagious HV.1 variant of Covid-19 is rapidly spreading across the United States, accounting for over a quarter of all cases since the end of October. HV.1 is dominating other strains, including the globally dominant EG.5 variant. Health officials are examining the variant to prepare for a potential winter surge. HV.1 is closely related to the Omicron subvariants and is associated with symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, cough, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. While scientists are not overly concerned about HV.1, there are more highly mutated strains that could pose greater risks.

via Hindustan Times|
#contagious#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

"COVID-19 Winter Surge Threatens US, Experts Warn"

The US is experiencing a winter surge of COVID-19 cases, with a 12% increase from mid-October lows. Hospitalizations among the elderly have doubled, and nursing home residents are at higher risk due to infections from nurses, staff, and visitors. The CDC recommends vaccinations, preventive measures, and prompt antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals. However, access to COVID-19 tests, antiviral treatments, and boosters remains limited. The rise in infections is expected to continue, exacerbating the pandemic's impact on long-term health and the persistence of Long COVID. Research on chronic infections and their consequences is limited due to funding constraints. There are currently no effective treatments for Long COVID, and Paxlovid has shown limited protection against its development. To protect against COVID-19, workers and their families are advised to get vaccinated, wear N95 respirators, and ensure proper HVAC system maintenance. Without significant investment in public health departments, society risks regressing to precarious conditions.

via WSWS|
#covid-19#elderly#health
health2 years ago

COVID-19 Cases Surge in Some US States, Global Declines Reported

COVID-19 cases are rising in eight U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nevada, according to data from the CDC. All other states have seen a decline in positive tests and lower infection rates. The national-level positivity rate has been decreasing, but experts warn of a potential winter surge due to the prevalence of other seasonal illnesses. Hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 have also been declining, although two new variants are being monitored. The U.S. government has restarted the free testing program, and health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccinations and booster shots to prevent further spread of the virus.

via Newsweek|
#cdc#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

California Sees Drop in Covid Cases, but Experts Fear Winter Surge

Covid-19 cases have been declining in California in recent weeks, with a drop in test positivity rate and new hospitalizations. However, experts warn that this is just a temporary reprieve, as they expect a surge in cases during the winter months, following the pattern seen in previous years. To prepare for this, the Biden administration has made free at-home Covid tests available and recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive an updated booster shot. Health officials are also urging Americans to get vaccinated against influenza and respiratory syncytial virus to avoid a potential "tripledemic" that could strain hospital resources.

via The New York Times|
#california#covid-19#health
health2 years ago

"Free At-Home Covid Tests to Resume in the US"

The Biden administration is restarting its program of offering free at-home Covid-19 tests to Americans through the mail, in preparation for a potential winter surge of the virus. The program will spend $600 million to purchase tests from domestic manufacturers and households will receive four tests. The initiative aims to replenish the nation's stockpile and also strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity. Private insurers are no longer required to cover up to eight tests per month, making free tests harder to come by for many Americans. The program will begin accepting orders on Monday through the website covidtests.gov.

via The New York Times|
#biden-administration#covid-19#domestic-manufacturing