Both exploded earlier this week United States of America as United Kingdom New variant of SARS-CoV-2 “EG.5.1”, nicknamed “Eris”. The new strain spread rapidly this summer and a surge in cases alerted the World Health Organization (Who) due to a sharp increase in the number of hospitalizations overseas, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCFor its short form in English) of America, remains alert to the rise of this virus.
What is the reason for the increase in corona virus cases?
Dr. Lena Wen, a medical analyst for the international news network CNN, who also responds to emergencies, and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner. Worked as , This expert was consulted by the media to answer the unknown It originated around this wave of infection and explained that:
“We are now in the fourth summer of the coronavirus pandemic. Every summer so far, the United States has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases. Part of this may be due to the cyclical nature of the coronavirus: We have seen an increase in cases, After a relatively quiet period, another surge occurs. The pattern may be in the future, there will be two or more such waves of infections every year,” he explained.
However, they noted that one reason for the increase in cases during the summer may be social gatherings in closed spaces and when it is very hot, which would also explain the increase in respiratory tract infections during the holidays. He also commented on the current hike It doesn’t appear to be driven by the appearance of a new version, Well, according to the CDC, All current variants are offshoots of the Omicron strain, Which first appeared in late 2021.
Should people be worried about a “small” wave of COVID-19 infections?
The expert pointed out that transmission of the common cold depends to a large extent on the individual as well as on their medical and personal circumstances, as it is “unlikely that people who are generally healthy and have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated Has been (or both). If I get corona virus, I will be seriously ill. They also pointed out that although COVID-19 infection can (in some cases) cause long-term symptoms, Some people still choose to “avoid infection at all costs”.
According to Dr. Leena Wen, the answer is not to protect yourself from serious diseases at all costs, perhaps to change old habits until the infection progresses, the main thing is that vulnerable people take extra precautions to avoid serious consequences , including older adults and patients with underlying medical conditions, Such as chronic lung, kidney and heart problems.
Similarly, this group should consider having medical care “on hand” so that, in the event of becoming infected with COVID-19, they can undergo antiviral treatment if they are eligible to use paxlovid and if not Strengthen safety and hygiene measures such as the use of Of N95, KN95 or KF94 Mask, Frequent hand washing etc., especially if they are in busy indoor places.
Is it necessary to wear a mask in this “small” wave of COVID-19?
According to Dr. Lena Wen, it is not necessary to wear a mask again unless it is a true emergency, and Neither the United States nor the United Kingdom are at risk or with serious warning signs. The expert emphasized that the effectiveness of wearing a mask in a unidirectional manner protects the wearer even if others around them are not wearing a mask.
However, for people who are at high risk of severe illness and who would not otherwise want to become infected with COVID-19, wearing a face covering is essential as it reduces the risk of infection. Corona virus and other respiratory diseases.
Canceling summer travel and avoiding large gatherings, are these necessary measures?
Only people who have the infection or are part of a group vulnerable to the infection should “fall into this category of modifying their plans rather than canceling them altogether.” Dr. Leena Wen told that if it is likely to bring the virus or it can be fatal for them Can use face mask during flight And then choose to plan meetings outside as well as dining out only at outdoor venues, it will not be necessary to take these preventive measures.
When should I get the COVID-19 booster shot?
In one of the best questions we asked the expert, Dr. Lena Wen pointed out that, given the current situation, most people can wait until the updated reinforcement is released, which will be disseminated by federal health officials who respect Are Which can start in late September or early October.
“This new reinforcement will focus on the XBB branches of Omicron, as they are currently the dominant strains,” the doctor explained.
Will the corona virus affect the 2023-2024 school year?
According to Dr. Lena Wen, this heat wave should not affect the return to schools or change the precautions most students, teachers and families are taking, as the number of hospitalizations appears to increase, but this wastewater is the trigger for the virus, and The wave may be stationary.
It should be noted that the current increase is not as severe as in 2020 and 2021, in fact it is possible that this rebound marks the end of future infections that, like influenza, tend to originate in this type of summer period. The most sensible thing to do is to “protect those who are most at risk and, at the same time, Minimize the inconvenience to the rest of society including schools.”, Expert finished.
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(TagstoTranslate)covid-19