Every summer over the past few years, including this one,COVID cases have increasedacross the United States as individuals remain in cooled environments and during the height of summer travel.
About half of the states in the nation are experiencing rising rates of COVID-19 cases, according to reports.Dr. Matthew Lokant, a specialist in infectious diseases at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.
“Many of the current COVID-19 cases are linked to two newer variants called Nimbus and Stratus — these are the strains driving the seasonal increase we’re observing in the United States,” Lokant stated.
Here are the primary signs of a COVID infection during this summer and steps you can take to remain healthy:
This summer’s COVID symptoms are similar to those seen in previous variants, including tiredness, a stuffy nose, and a headache.
“The COVID symptoms I’m observing in the clinic are not much different from what I’ve seen in prior years,” saidAndrea Harmony, a family nurse practitioner based in Philadelphia.
These signs consist of tiredness, fever, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and cough, Harmony mentioned. You might also have muscle pains or a headache, Lokant added.
Some individuals also suffer from a stomach ache, saidDr. Sarah Whitley Colesa co-founder of Those Nerdy Girls, an online group committed to providing correct health and science information.
A painful sore throat referred to as “razor blade throat” has been linked to recent infections.
“The more prevalent Nimbus strain has been associated with numerous cases of intense throat pain,” Lokant stated.
“Patients have described intense, piercing pain in the throat,” he added. Online, this condition is referred to as “razor blade throat,” Lokant explained.
It is definitely accurate that COVID can lead to a sore throat, and quite a severe one, but you don’t need to become alarmed by this symptom.
“It’s not necessarily more dangerous, but people are definitely feeling awful. That’s why I’ve been advising everyone: if you start experiencing a sore throat, let me know because it might very well be COVID,” said Coles.
Experts previously told MathHotels.comIt has been known for a while that a painful sore throat is linked to COVID infections, and although this symptom may not affect everyone, it’s crucial to be aware of it and take steps to reduce the discomfort.
This involves maintaining proper hydration through water and herbal teas, as lack of fluids can cause irritation to the dry tissues in your throat,Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and head of the division of hospital and internal medicine at National Jewish Health in Colorado,previously told MathHotels.com.
Some symptoms of COVID-19 necessitate professional medical care.
As stated by Lokant, if you have COVID-19 and experience specific alarming symptoms, including trouble breathing, chest discomfort, or significant dehydration (which may appear as lightheadedness and a dry mouth), it is advisable to get medical help.
Certain individuals require medical care to recover, while many across the nation continue to lose their lives due to this virus.
Additionally, if you receive a positive test result and are considered to be at high risk for the illness, inform your physician. You might be eligible for treatment.
“If you belong to a high-risk category, you can consistently use a drug such as Paxlovid to lower your chances of severe illness, hospital admission, and mortality,” stated Coles.
High-risk categories consist of individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Your physician can assist in deciding if a COVID antiviral treatment is suitable for you, Coles said. “We understand that many individuals who are eligible for medications such as Paxlovid are not receiving them due to either not being aware that this option is available to them and could be beneficial, or because of false information surrounding it,” Coles mentioned.
I would recommend that everyone approach it as though there is a summer [COVID] wave, since we anticipate that one may occur, or that we are at the start of one, and to implement the appropriate precautions.Dr. Sarah Whitley Coles
Numerous false claims suggest that COVID is “just a common cold,” but this is not accurate. It can result in long-term effects, hospitalization, and in some cases, death.
“COVID poses a significant risk, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, other long-term health conditions, or those who are older, and these treatments can help lower those dangers,” Coles said.
The signs of COVID-19 may resemble those of other upper respiratory illnesses, highlighting the importance of testing.
“I believe that with each new variant, there’s a story implying we can determine if someone has COVID by their symptoms, and that these symptoms are notably different or unique. However, in the end, they seem to be indistinguishable from other upper respiratory infections,” Harmony said.
In other words, traffic jams can occur regardless of whether it’s COVID or a common cold.
“I would recommend that everyone get tested if you are showing symptoms,” added Coles. COVID tests remain availableidentify the most recent COVID mutationsand can assist you in determining whether you have COVID or another illness.
If you are infected with COVID (and, in fact, any other upper respiratory virus), you should remain at home and avoid contact with others, get plenty of rest, and consume ample fluids, Lokant said. Additionally, if you are at high risk or experiencing troubling symptoms, seek medical care.
You can also take various actions to maintain good health.
To avoid becoming infected, “use a high-quality mask, such as an N95, in busy indoor areas… wash your hands frequently and ensure the people around you are in good health,” Coles stated, and mentioned that if a family member tells you they have a cold, think about postponing the meeting.
Before implementing any of those preventive steps, ensure you have received the most recent COVID vaccine. “Vaccination remains, by a significant margin, the most effective method to safeguard yourself and your family,” stated Coles.
Individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting COVID can receive a second dose of the existing COVID vaccine to maintain protection as case numbers rise during the current summer, according to Coles.
As the number of cases increases, it’s crucial to adhere to all necessary measures to ensure the health of yourself, your family, and your neighbors. This is particularly important since there may be more instances of COVID circulating than what is currently reported by the CDC.experts say.
“Our data is very limited, such as understanding the extent of COVID’s presence in our communities, we truly don’t have a clear picture. We are not effectively monitoring it anymore, so it’s likely significantly underreported, and there may be far more cases of COVID than we anticipate,” said Coles.
“I urge everyone to approach it as though there is a summer surge, as we anticipate that one may occur, or that we are at the start of it, and to implement the required precautions,” Coles added.
