Doctors say COVID-19 has seen a surge due to rising summer temperatures
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 cases have recently been on the rise in the United States. As of early August, test positivity rates and emergency room visits were increasing in at least 25 states and were declining or likely declining in only three.
According to experts, the graph has been similar to previous summers since the pandemic began spreading in 2020. “A lot of people tried to wish it away, but I think this summer wave is a little bit more expansive than the last one,” Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, told Verywell Health.
Why is COVID-19 increasing?
Doctors say that due to rising summer temperatures and hot weather in some parts of the country that have already witnessed many heat waves, COVID-19 has seen a surge.
Additionally, summer is the time when people go out more, gather in large groups, travel and have weddings, all of which pose a risk of spreading the virus from one person to another. Experts also say that since COVID-19 infections have declined in recent months, people are not taking precautions.
What to do if you have symptoms?
Doctors say that since COVID-19 symptoms overlap with those of the flu, it’s always important to get tested. However, experts say the symptoms most people are currently experiencing vary widely, including:
- High fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Rhinorrhea
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of smell and taste
- Fatigue
- Body aches
In the U.S., the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test remains the gold standard. These tests are available at doctors’ offices and other healthcare facilities. But if you can’t get to a testing center, you should use a home test to make sure it’s not expired.
Isolate yourself if the result is positive
Experts say that if you test positive for COVID-19, you should avoid being around other people. Officially, COVID-19 is now treated like other respiratory viruses. Also, it’s best to be extra careful around high-risk friends and family members, such as those with low immunity, children, and the elderly.
However, if you need to be around other people after a COVID-19 infection, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask. Doctors say a new vaccine is likely to be available in the coming months, as the official cold and flu season begins around fall.
Practice self-care
While most people with mild infections usually get over them by taking over-the-counter medications, experts also stress the importance of rest and staying hydrated for a quick recovery. However, if symptoms have been severe, there are three antiviral medications available for the treatment of COVID-19:
- Paxlovid – for adults and children
- Vejlury – for adults and some children
- Lagevrio – adults only
Check for severe symptoms
If you have been sick with COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, dizziness, and shortness of breath, you should immediately consult your doctor as it can affect your immune system and cause a wide range of chronic health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and more.
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