We don’t usually associate hot weather with viral illnesses, but COVID has thwarted that in recent years. This summer seems to be no exception: Rrecent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows COVID test positivity rates and emergency room visits are steadily increasing, particularly along both coasts.
The culprit: FLiRT variants. This family of variants, originating from the omicron, took off in spring. Today, they represent more than 50% of infections.
According to Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this year’s summer surge started early — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. “I suspect it will increase,” Hopkins told HuffPost. “It seems like we’re seeing more and more states showing increased activity levels. »
Here’s what you need to know about the summer COVID surge:
What’s new with the new FLiRT variants?
FLiRT variants are offshoots of JN.1what was the dominant variant in the United States last winter.
This family of variants seems very contagious, thanks to mutation in the Spike protein which could improve the virus’s ability to bind to human cells. “When we look at their molecular profile, some of these mutations could potentially allow the (virus) to evade previous immunity,” Hopkins explained.
According to Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, assistant professor in the department of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, one variant in particular is currently gaining momentum: KP.3. He is currently responsible for approximately 25% of cases.
Two other variants of the FLiRT family, KP.2 and KP.1.1represent 22.5% and 7.5% of infections respectively. Research of Japan found that KP.2, the dominant variant last spring, was more transmissible than its predecessors and potentially more effective in thwarting our vaccines.
Fortunately, it doesn’t appear that the disease is any different with FLiRT variants, according to Hopkins. He suspects they will trigger the typical COVID symptoms: fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, body aches and, although less common these days, loss of taste and smell.
The increase in cases also does not appear to be leading to an increase in hospitalizations. “There is no evidence that they are more serious than what we faced,” Hopkins said.
What worries experts about this wave of infections?
We’ve seen a summer surge in COVID infections every year during the pandemic, according to Hopkins, so it’s not too unusual. What worries him, however, is how quickly we’re seeing the summer surge take off this year.
According to Aubree Gordonprofessor of epidemiology and director of the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats & Pandemic Preparedness at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, variants are gaining ground as they evolve to evade the immunity we have gained through past infections and vaccinations.
The current surge is “probably primarily (caused) by changes in the virus that likely allow it to better bypass pre-existing immunity,” Gordon told HuffPost.
It doesn’t help that it’s likely been a while since many people were last vaccinated. In May, the CDC revealed that only 22% of adults had received an updated COVID shot since its release in September 2023.
This decline in immunity, combined with advantageous mutations in FLiRT variants, could fuel the spread. Recent gatherings marking the start of summer, including Memorial Day weekend and Father’s Day, could also be contributing, according to Hopkins. After all, we know social gatherings are a huge source of disease transmission.
Is now a good time to get vaccinated again?
All major vaccine manufacturers are expected to have an updated vaccine in the fall that, most likely, target KP.2 strain. If you’re wondering whether you should get another vaccine now or wait until the new booster is here, know this: There’s really no bad time to get a booster, Bhayani said.
Although the updated vaccine will likely better target circulating strains, the currently available vaccine vaccines will likely still provide good protection against illness and, more importantly, against ending up in hospital or dying, research suggests.
The timing of your next dose depends on your overall health and when you received your previous booster or were last infected. In general, health experts recommend spacing doses at least four months.
If you’ve been infected or vaccinated in recent months, it might be wiser to wait until the new vaccine is distributed later this year, Gordon said. “I would recommend that they delay vaccination just because they won’t benefit too much at this point,” she said.
That said, Hopkins recommends that people 65 and older who have not received the latest vaccine get vaccinated now. The same goes for people who are immunocompromised and have not received a vaccine in the last two months.
“Why take a risk with this current surge if we have something that will reduce the severity of your disease? » Hopkins said.
Here’s what to do if you get COVID this summer.
If you contract COVID, it’s a good idea to test yourself first at home with an antigen test. If you test negative, Hopkins recommended testing yourself again in 24 hours, as it may take a few days for the virus to become detectable in your sinuses.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your primary care physician or go to an urgent care center to get a PCR test: they are more sensitive and detect a higher percentage of cases.
Older adults, immunocompromised people, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of serious illness. Hopkins advised anyone in these groups to contact a health care provider as soon as they feel sick. There are effective oral solutions antivirals – Paxlovide and molnupiravir, which may shorten the length of your illness and reduce its severity. But here’s the kicker: They work best when administered within five days of the onset of symptoms.
As for otherwise healthy people who test positive, the same proven measures still work well. Acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce fever, nasal sprays relieve congestion, drinking fluids prevents dehydration, and getting plenty of rest will aid your overall recovery, Hopkins said.
Finally, keep a distance other people for five days or until your symptoms improve. If you go out, the CDC recommends mask oneself until the 11th day of your illness.
These new variants might be able to bypass our immunity, but getting another booster shot and wearing a high-quality mask in crowded spaces remain the best ways to stay healthy this summer.