The United States is experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with emergency department visits related to the virus increasing for several weeks, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest data reveals a 23.5% rise in emergency visits for Covid-19 during the week ending July 6 compared to the previous week. Additionally, the CDC reports high viral activity levels for COVID-19 in wastewater nationwide as of July 6.
These trends are evident in personal experiences as well. Two friends recently contracted Covid-19 while travelling, and more public figures, including second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have tested positive. Major events like the Tour de France have also been impacted by infections among participants.
As Covid-19 cases surge, it’s essential to reassess our understanding of the virus’s summer spread. Why is this wave happening, and should we be worried about infection again? How can we reduce the risk while continuing our normal lives? What precautions should be taken during travel? Should we get vaccinated now or wait for the updated vaccine? Do home tests still work, and what steps should be taken if we contract Covid-19?
To address these questions, wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, and former Baltimore health commissioner, provides guidance.
Current Concerns and Preventative Measures
Q: How concerned should people be about the current resurgence of Covid-19 cases?
Dr. Leana Wen: The CDC’s data indicates we are in the midst of a summer wave of Covid-19 infections. This isn’t surprising, as we’ve seen multiple waves of infections each year since the pandemic began, often peaking in the summer due to increased travel and indoor gatherings due to hot weather.
The level of concern should depend on individual medical circumstances. Those who are older, immunocompromised, or have underlying conditions should be particularly cautious. They should ensure they are up-to-date with vaccines, have access to antiviral treatments, and consider additional precautions such as masking in crowded indoor spaces and preferring outdoor gatherings.
Q: What steps can people take to minimize their infection risk while maintaining normal activities?
Dr. Leana Wen: Many people have resumed pre-pandemic activities, viewing Covid-19 similarly to other respiratory viruses. It’s important to reduce infection risk, especially before visiting vulnerable individuals. For about a week prior to such visits, avoid indoor gatherings, wear masks in crowded spaces, and consider taking a rapid test before meeting.
Q: Are home tests still reliable for diagnosing Covid-19 if symptoms appear?
Dr. Leana Wen: Rapid antigen home tests are less accurate than PCR tests but are convenient for screening Covid-19. If symptoms appear and antiviral treatment is needed, take a rapid test. If the result is negative, test again the next day. Remember, these tests only detect Covid-19, and other respiratory viruses could be causing symptoms. Stay away from vulnerable people even if the test is negative.
Recommendations for Travelers and Vaccinations
Q: How can people reduce their risk of infection while traveling?
Dr. Leana Wen: Wear an N95 or equivalent mask in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces like planes and trains. Opt for outdoor dining when possible, bring rapid tests, and have a plan for accessing antiviral treatments if necessary. Travel insurance can help cover medical care and unexpected changes in plans.
Q: Should people get vaccinated now or wait for the updated vaccine coming in the fall?
Dr. Leana Wen: A new Covid-19 vaccine formulation will be available soon, possibly by August or September. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive this updated vaccine. Given its imminent release, waiting for the new formulation is reasonable. It should better target current variants and potentially be more effective for fall and winter strains.
The primary goal of the vaccine is to reduce severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. While it offers some protection against infection, this effect wanes quickly. Individuals needing additional protection against infection should take extra precautions.
Q: What should people do if they contract Covid-19 now? Is isolation still necessary?
Dr. Leana Wen: The CDC no longer requires a five-day isolation period. Instead, people should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. For the following five days, they should take precautions like masking and limiting close contact.
If living with someone highly vulnerable, such as an older adult with a kidney transplant, avoid close contact until testing negative. This means not dining indoors together and avoiding shared spaces.
Key Points
- Rising Covid-19 Cases:
- Covid-19 cases are increasing in the United States, with emergency department visits up by 23.5% for the week ending July 6, compared to the previous week.
- The CDC reports high levels of Covid-19 viral activity in wastewater nationwide as of July 6.
- Personal Impact and Public Figures:
- Individuals, including friends and public figures like second gentleman Doug Emhoff, have recently tested positive.
- Major events, such as the Tour de France, have also seen participants diagnosed with Covid-19.
- Expert Guidance:
- Dr. Leana Wen advises that the summer wave of Covid-19 is expected due to increased travel and indoor gatherings.
- Older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions should be particularly cautious and stay updated with vaccines and antiviral treatments.
- Preventative Measures:
- To reduce infection risk, avoid indoor gatherings and wear masks in crowded spaces, especially before visiting vulnerable individuals.
- Rapid antigen home tests are useful for screening, though not as accurate as PCR tests. Re-test if the initial result is negative.
- Travel Recommendations:
- Wear N95 masks in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
- Prefer outdoor dining, bring rapid tests, and have a plan for accessing antiviral treatments.
- Consider travel insurance for medical care and unexpected changes.
- Vaccination Advice:
- A new Covid-19 vaccine formulation is expected to be available by August or September.
- The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive the updated vaccine, which should better target current variants.
- Isolation and Precautions:
- The CDC advises staying home until fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve, with additional precautions for the next five days.
- Avoid close contact with highly vulnerable individuals until testing negative for Covid-19.
