Each summer time for the previous a number of years, together with this summer time, COVID instances have elevated all through america as individuals spend time in air-conditioned areas and as summer time journey peaks.
It’s anticipated that COVID instances will proceed to rise as youngsters head again to high school, after which attain a peak in early September.
“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.,” stated Dr. Matthew Lokant, an infectious illness specialist on the West Virginia College Faculty of Drugs.
Listed here are the principle signs of a COVID an infection this summer time and what you are able to do to remain wholesome:
COVID signs this summer time look quite a bit like signs from earlier strains, akin to 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,” stated 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, stated 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 stated. The Stratus pressure can be identified to trigger this bothersome symptom.
“Patients have noted sharp, stabbing throat pain,” he added. On-line, this is called “razor blade throat,” Lokant stated.
It actually is true that COVID may cause a sore throat, and a reasonably 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,” stated Coles.
Specialists beforehand advised HuffPost {that a} painful sore throat has been related to COVID infections for a while, and whereas this symptom gained’t occur to everybody, it’s essential to maintain a watch 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 inner medication at Nationwide Jewish Health in Colorado, beforehand advised HuffPost.
Sure COVID signs do require medical consideration.
In keeping with Lokant, you probably have COVID and see sure regarding signs, akin to problem respiratory, chest ache or extreme dehydration (which might appear like dizziness and dry mouth), it’s 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, if you happen to take a look at optimistic and are at excessive threat for illness, let your physician know. Chances are you’ll qualify for medicine.
“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,” stated Coles.
Excessive-risk teams embody these over 65, pregnant individuals and immunocompromised individuals.
Your physician can assist decide if a COVID antiviral medicine 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
Plenty of misinformation claims that COVID is “just a cold,” however that isn’t true. It may possibly result in lengthy COVID, hospitalization and even dying,
“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 quite a bit just like the signs of different higher respiratory infections, which makes testing essential.
“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 stated.
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 checks nonetheless detect the newest COVID variants and can assist you decipher if you happen to’re sick with COVID or one thing else.
In the event you do have COVID (and, actually, some other higher respiratory virus), it’s best to keep residence and away from different individuals, relaxation and have a number of fluids, Lokant famous. And, once more, if you happen to’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 stated, and added that if a liked one tells you they’ve the sniffles, think about rescheduling that get-together.
Even earlier than all of these preventative measures, be sure you have the newest COVID shot. “Vaccination is still, by far, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones,” stated Coles. Up to date COVID photographs for 2025-2026 are anticipated to be out there quickly, though it’s unclear who might be eligible for these photographs.
With instances rising, it’s essential 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’s 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,” stated 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.
