Covid-19 Summer Wave Alert
The U.S. is experiencing a large summer wave of Covid-19. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is thinking about approving new vaccines soon, possibly this week, according to a CNN report.
Last year, the FDA approved new Covid-19 shots in September. This year, the summer wave began earlier and is stronger than before.
Wastewater data shows that Covid-19 levels are very high in 32 states and Washington, D.C. Another 11 states report high levels. The virus is peaking in some regions at levels seen only during the previous winter surges.
Testing and Positivity Rates Rise
Although fewer people are getting tested, the test positivity rate for mid-August is 18.1%. This is a high number that hasn’t been seen since the omicron wave in January 2022.
The good news is that even with the rise in cases, hospital visits and deaths remain low. Emergency department visits for Covid-19 are similar to last year’s summer wave, and deaths are also low.
Covid-19 Summer Wave
FDA’s Vaccine Strategy
The FDA usually suggests getting the Covid-19 vaccine in the fall, around the same time as the flu shot. This helps people prepare for the winter when respiratory illnesses spread more easily.
But with this big summer wave, the FDA may decide to release the vaccines earlier than planned to help control the surge.
Here are 5 common symptoms seen during the summer wave of Covid-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
Some experts suggest getting a Covid-19 vaccine to guard against the current summer surge. “Now is the time to get a dose with this surge,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, in an interview with CNN on Sunday.
Article source wired.com
