Covid-19 is back. Should we be worried? | CNN

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Covid-19 levels are on the rise again in the United States.

COVID-19-related emergency room visits have been on the rise for weeks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most recent data shows that during the week ending July 6, there was a 23.5% increase in COVID-19-related emergency room visits compared to the previous week. The CDC also says that COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater is high nationwide as of July 6.

I’ve seen these trends in my own social group. Two friends contracted Covid-19 this month while traveling. And we’ve seen more coronavirus infections reported among public figures, with the second man, Doug Emhoff, recently testing positive and major sporting events like the Tour de France being impacted as riders have been diagnosed.

It’s time to revisit our understanding of the summer spread of Covid-19. Why is this summer surge happening and should I really be worried about infection again? What can I do to reduce my risk of infection while still living my normal life? What if I travel? Should I get vaccinated now rather than wait for an update? Do tests still work? And what should I do if I catch Covid-19? Should I still self-isolate and stay away from my family?

To help us answer these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and associate clinical professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: How concerned should people be about Covid-19 infection now that cases are surging?

Dr. Follow Wen: Based on the CDC’s numbers, it appears that we are in the midst of a summer surge of COVID-19 infections. This should come as no surprise. Since the pandemic began, we have seen multiple waves of infections each year, with one that peaks in the summer. This could be due to increased travel as well as more people gathering indoors due to warm weather.

Whether people should be concerned about COVID-19 infection depends on their specific medical situation. Older adults, people who are immunocompromised, or those with multiple heart, lung, kidney, and other underlying conditions should be especially concerned. They should make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations, have a plan to access antiviral treatment, and consider additional precautions such as wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and avoiding gathering outdoors rather than indoors.

CNN: What should people do to reduce their risk of infection while still living normal lives in the city?

Magnifying glass: Many people have returned to their normal pre-pandemic lives and are approaching COVID-19 in the same way they approach other respiratory viruses: they don’t want to get these viruses, but they also don’t want to stop socializing and going to restaurants, theaters, and religious services. I think the risk calculation will depend on each individual and their personal medical situation.

It is important to reduce the risk of infection before visiting a particularly vulnerable family member or friend. In the week leading up to the visit, you can avoid indoor gatherings and wear a mask on public transport and in other crowded places. Taking a rapid test just before the visit can also reduce the risk of infecting this vulnerable person.

CNN: Speaking of testing, are home tests still a good way to diagnose COVID-19 if someone develops symptoms?

Magnifying glass: Rapid home antigen tests are not as accurate as lab-based PCR tests, but they are a convenient way to screen for COVID-19. People who have symptoms and may be eligible for antiviral treatment should take the rapid test. If it is initially negative, take it again the next day to be sure. Remember, this test only looks for coronavirus. You could be carrying one of the many other viruses that cause respiratory symptoms. If you have symptoms, you should stay away from vulnerable people, even if you test negative for COVID-19.

CNN: Do you have any recommendations for reducing risks while traveling?

Magnifying glass: In crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, consider wearing an N95 mask or equivalent. For example, wear a mask when boarding a plane or train where seating is limited to standing. Also, try to dine outdoors instead of indoors when possible. Bring rapid tests with you. And always have a plan for what will happen if you get COVID-19. How will you access antiviral treatments if you are eligible? Where will you stay? I highly recommend getting travel insurance; it can help you pay for medical care and reduce costs if your plans need to change.

CNN: Many people are eager to get another COVID-19 vaccine to better protect them during the summer surge. But there is a new vaccine The vaccine will be available in the fall. Who should get vaccinated now and who can wait to receive the new vaccine?

Magnifying glass: A new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available soon. It is expected to be available in September and could be available as early as August. The CDC has recommended that everyone 6 months and older get this vaccine when it is available.

Given that we are so close to the release of the new vaccine, I think it is reasonable to wait for the new formulation. This should more closely target the currently circulating variants and, ideally, better match the strains that are expected to be dominant in the fall and winter.

It is important to remember that the primary goal of the vaccine is to reduce the risk of severe disease, meaning hospitalization and death. The vaccine is not as effective at reducing infection. It is effective at reducing the rate of infection, but that effectiveness is rapidly diminishing. People who need extra protection against infection, which still carries the risk of severe disease as well as long Covid, need to take extra precautions, as we have seen.

CNN: Finally, at this point, what should I do if I get COVID-19? Should I still isolate myself and stay away from my family?

Magnifying glass: A few months ago, the CDC dropped the five-day isolation requirement. Now, the recommendation is that people diagnosed with COVID-19 stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms improve. For the next five days, they should still try to take extra precautions like wearing a mask and limiting close contact with others.

I think it depends on the health status of the other members of your family. If the others are generally healthy and are not taking extra precautions to reduce their risk of getting COVID-19, I think you can follow the CDC’s advice as outlined above.

However, in my opinion, if you live at home with someone who is extremely vulnerable – for example an elderly parent who has had a kidney transplant – you really should avoid them until you test negative for Covid-19. This means not dining indoors with them or sharing communal spaces during this time.

Ultimately, while many people can continue to live their lives during this summer surge, those at risk for severe illness still need to take extra precautions. Those around them should also take precautions to help protect those most at risk.