Each summer season for the previous a number of years, together with this summer season, COVID circumstances have elevated all through america as individuals spend time in air-conditioned areas and as summer season journey peaks.
Roughly half of the states within the nation at the moment have growing numbers of COVID-19 infections, mentioned Dr. Matthew Lokant, an infectious illness specialist on the West Virginia College Faculty of Drugs.
“Most of those COVID-19 [infections] are associated with two newer variants being Nimbus and Stratus — these are the strains that are contributing to that seasonal surge that we’re currently seeing in the U.S.,” Lokant mentioned.
Listed here are the principle signs of a COVID an infection this summer season and what you are able to do to remain wholesome:
COVID signs this summer season look so much like signs from earlier strains, reminiscent of fatigue, runny nostril and a headache.
“The COVID symptoms that I’m seeing in clinic aren’t any different this year than I’ve seen in previous years,” mentioned Andrea Concord, a household nurse practitioner in Philadelphia.
These signs embody fatigue, fever, congestion, runny nostril and cough, Concord famous. You may additionally expertise physique aches or a headache, added Lokant.
Some individuals expertise an upset abdomen, too, mentioned Dr. Sarah Whitley Coles, a founding member of These Nerdy Women, a web based group that’s devoted to sharing correct well being and science data.
Kittikorn Nimitpara through Getty Photographs
A painful sore throat referred to as “razor blade throat” has been related to present infections.
“The more dominant Nimbus strain has had more reports of very severe throat pain,” Lokant mentioned.
“Patients have noted sharp, stabbing throat pain,” he added. On-line, this is named “razor blade throat,” Lokant mentioned.
It definitely is true that COVID could cause a sore throat, and a fairly unhealthy one at that, however you shouldn’t let this symptom panic you.
“It’s not more dangerous, but certainly people feel miserable, and so I’ve been encouraging folks, if you’re starting to have a sore throat, let me know because this could very well be COVID,” mentioned Coles.
Consultants beforehand informed HuffPost {that a} painful sore throat has been related to COVID infections for a while, and whereas this symptom received’t occur to everybody, it’s vital to maintain an eye fixed out for it and do what you may to restrict the ache.
This contains staying hydrated by ingesting water and natural teas, as dehydration can irritate the dry membranes in your throat, Dr. Carrie Horn, the chief medical officer and chief of the division of hospital and inside medication at Nationwide Jewish Health in Colorado, beforehand informed HuffPost.
Sure COVID signs do require medical consideration.
In keeping with Lokant, if in case you have COVID and see sure regarding signs, reminiscent of problem respiratory, chest ache or extreme dehydration (which may appear to be dizziness and dry mouth), it is best to search medical consideration.
Some individuals want medical therapy to get higher, and other people all through the nation are nonetheless dying from this virus.
Additionally, in the event you take a look at optimistic and are at excessive threat for illness, let your physician know. It’s possible you’ll qualify for treatment.
“If you’re in a high-risk group, you can always take a medication like Paxlovid to help reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death,” mentioned Coles.
Excessive-risk teams embody these over 65, pregnant individuals and immunocompromised individuals.
Your physician may help decide if a COVID antiviral treatment is best for you, Coles added. “We know that a lot of people who would qualify for medications like Paxlovid are not getting them either because they don’t realize that this is something that is available to them and can be helpful, or because there is misinformation about it,” Coles famous.
“I would encourage everyone to treat it as if there is a summer [COVID] surge, because we expect that there will be, or that we’re in the beginning of one, and to take the necessary precautions.”
– Dr. Sarah Whitley Coles
A lot of misinformation claims that COVID is “just a cold,” however that isn’t true. It could result in lengthy COVID, hospitalization and even loss of life,
“COVID is dangerous, and particularly dangerous for folks who have immunosuppression, other chronic medical illnesses, or people who are older, and these medications can help reduce those risks,” Coles added.
COVID signs can look so much just like the signs of different higher respiratory infections, which makes testing vital.
“I think with every new variant, there is this narrative that suggests that we could tell if someone has COVID based on their symptoms, and that the symptoms are significantly different or unique, but all in all, they appear to be undistinguishable from any other upper respiratory infection,” Concord mentioned.
In different phrases, congestion can occur whether or not it’s COVID or a chilly.
“I would encourage everyone to test if you’re symptomatic,” added Coles. COVID assessments nonetheless detect the most recent COVID variants and may help you decipher in the event you’re sick with COVID or one thing else.
In the event you do have COVID (and, actually, some other higher respiratory virus), it is best to keep dwelling and away from different individuals, relaxation and have numerous fluids, Lokant famous. And, once more, in the event you’re high-risk or have regarding signs, get medical consideration.
There are a number of issues you are able to do to remain wholesome, too.
To maintain your self from getting contaminated, “wear a high-quality mask, like an N95, in crowded indoor places … wash [your] hands regularly and make sure that the folks around [you] are feeling well,” Coles mentioned, and added that if a liked one tells you they’ve the sniffles, take into account rescheduling that get-together.
Even earlier than all of these preventative measures, be sure you have the most recent COVID shot. “Vaccination is still, by far, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” mentioned Coles.
Those that are at excessive threat of growing COVID can get a second dose of the present COVID vaccine to remain protected throughout the present summer season improve in circumstances, Coles famous.
With circumstances rising, it’s vital to comply with all the steps to maintain your self, your family members and your neighbors wholesome. That is very true as a result of there may be doubtless extra COVID on the market than what’s being reported by the CDC, specialists say.
“Our data is really poor, like how much COVID is circulating in our communities, we really don’t know. We’re not doing a good job of tracking it anymore, so it’s probably way underreported, and there’s a lot more COVID going around than likely we expect,” mentioned Coles.
“I would encourage everyone to treat it as if there is a summer surge, because we expect that there will be, or that we’re in the beginning of one, and to take the necessary precautions,” Coles added.
