COVID-19 is back. Should I be worried?

CNN
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Coronavirus infection levels are rising again in the United States.

Emergency department visits related to the new coronavirus have been on the rise for several weeks, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAccording to the latest data, emergency room visits for COVID-19 patients increased 23.5% during the week ending July 6 compared to the previous week. The CDC also said: Viral activity levels of the new coronavirus in wastewater As of July 6th, the levels are high nationwide.

These trends are reflected in my own social group. Two friends have contracted COVID-19 while traveling this month. There have also been reports of COVID-19 infections among public figures, with a second gentleman Doug Emhoff recently tested positive Major sporting events such as the Tour de France have also been affected, with athletes undergoing testing.

It's time to reset our understanding The spread of the new coronavirus in the summer. Why is there an outbreak this summer, and should we really worry about getting it again? What should people do to reduce their chances of infection while still going about their lives as normal? What if they're traveling? Should they get vaccinated now instead of waiting for an updated vaccine? Are tests still effective? And what should they do if they do get COVID-19? Should they still isolate themselves and stay away from their families?

To answer these questions, I spoke with CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University and former health commissioner for the city of Baltimore.

CNN: How worried should people be about COVID-19 now that cases are rising again?

Follow Dr. Wen on: Based on CDC numbers, it appears we are now in the midst of a summer wave of COVID-19 infections. This is not surprising. Since the pandemic began, there have been multiple waves of infection every year, including peaks in the summer, likely due to increased travel and hot weather that has led more people to gather indoors.

Whether or not you should be worried about COVID-19 depends on your specific health conditions. People who should be especially concerned are older adults, those who are immunocompromised, and those with multiple underlying conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease. Keep your vaccinations up to date and Access to antiviral treatments Also, consider taking additional precautions like wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and meeting outdoors instead of indoors.

CNN: What can people do to reduce the chance of infection while still going about their normal lives around the city?

Wen: Many people want to fully return to their pre-pandemic lives and think of COVID-19 as they would any other respiratory virus: We don't want to contract these viruses, but we also don't want to stop socializing or going to restaurants, theaters, or religious events. I think the risk calculation depends on the individual and their individual health status.

One thing to consider is reducing your chances of exposure before visiting family and friends, especially those who are vulnerable. Avoid indoor gatherings for about a week before visiting and wear a mask on public transportation and in crowded places. You can also reduce the risk of exposing vulnerable people to the virus by getting a rapid test right before visiting.

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

Wen: Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as laboratory PCR tests, but they are useful for testing for COVID-19. Anyone who has symptoms and may be a candidate for antiviral treatment should take a rapid test. If the initial result is negative, take the test again the next day just to be safe. Remember that this test only tests for coronaviruses; you could be infected with any of the many other viruses that cause respiratory symptoms. If you have symptoms, you should stay away from susceptible people, even if your COVID-19 test result is negative.

CNN: What advice do you have for reducing risk while traveling?

Wen: Consider wearing an N95 mask or equivalent when you're in crowded places with poor ventilation. Wear a mask when you're on a plane or a standing-room only train, for example. Also, try to eat outdoors instead of indoors, whenever possible. Bring a rapid test kit with you. And always have a plan for what to do if you become infected with COVID-19. How will you receive antiviral treatment, if you qualify? Where will you stay? Travel insurance, which I highly recommend, can help mitigate medical expenses and costs if your plans need to change.

CNN: Many people are eager to get another COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves against the summer surge. But… New Vaccines It will be available in the fall. Who should get the vaccine now? Who can wait for the new vaccine?

Wen: A new formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine is on the way, expected to be available in September and possibly as early as August. The CDC recommends Make this vaccine available to everyone aged 6 months and older.

With the launch of a new vaccine on the horizon, I think it would be reasonable to wait for the new formulation, which more closely targets the variants currently circulating and, ideally, should be a better match for the strains expected to become dominant through the fall and winter.

People should keep in mind that the primary purpose of the vaccine is to reduce the chance of severe disease, i.e. hospitalization and death. Vaccines are not that effective at reducing infection. They do have an effect on reducing infection rates, but that effect quickly wears off. People who need extra protection against infection should take the extra precautions we have discussed, as infection always carries a risk of severe and prolonged disease.

CNN: Finally, at this point, if someone does get coronavirus, what should they do? Do they still have to isolate themselves and stay away from their families?

Wen: months ago, CDC is abolished COVID-19 patients are exempt from the mandatory five-day quarantine. Currently, people diagnosed with COVID-19 are encouraged to stay at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms have improved. For the next five days, they should continue to take extra precautions, such as wearing a mask and limiting close contact with others.

My interpretation is that it depends on the health of the other members of your household. If they are generally healthy and are not taking any additional precautions to reduce their risk of COVID-19 infection, then I think it's ok to follow the CDC advice above.

But in my opinion, if you live with someone who is highly susceptible — say an elderly parent who has had a kidney transplant — you should avoid seeing them until they have a negative COVID-19 test, which means not dining together indoors or sharing common spaces during that time.

Ultimately, while many people will be able to go about their daily lives during this summer outbreak, those who are more susceptible to severe illness will need to take extra precautions, and those around them will also need to take precautions to help protect those most at risk.