Although everyone seems to have put covid in the rearview mirror, it is certainly not gone and we need to keep looking ahead for dangers. It is very hard to get accurate numbers of cases since no one is testing anymore and the reporting systems have all been dismantled, but there are some recent reports of surges in the US. There are certainly hot spots all over the world where Covid is still very much in the limelight. Hospitalization and deaths, much more reliable statistics, remain down in the US, although Covid-19 still remains in the top 10 causes of death.
I am certainly still seeing many long haul Covid symptoms.
What many are calling a “late summer cold” is in many cases Covid. It remains just as infectious, still transmitted by simply breathing, but fortunately it is still causing less severe disease. The majority of the hospitalizations and deaths are in those over 65 and/or with some other kind of underlying condition. Being overweight or obese remains the most common risk factor. And that metric has worsened significantly in the general population during the pandemic.
Lack of vaccination or not staying up to date with boosters is also a significant risk factor so please get your shot, especially if you have any risk factors.
The mutation rate of this virus remains extreme and new variants continue to develop. In the US, the current dominant variant is XB1.1.6 and is causing a spike. The largest increase in cases is in Nebraska. In Europe, the latest variant, accounting for almost 30% of cases, is EU11, a close relative of XBB.
All of this is important since it clearly shows that Covid is still very much with us and continues to mutate at a rapid rate.
What does that mean? We just need to be vigilant and continue to be mindful of those around us, especially if you are the one who is sick. Don’t just assume it’s a “summer cold” or allergy exacerbation.
TEST! Don’t GUESS.
And Covid is not the only infectious disease to be concerned about.
MALARIA. Malaria is caused by a protozoan carried by mosquitoes. An interesting factoid is that the Center for Disease Control, the CDC, was founded in 1946 to deal with the Malaria problem which was much more rampant at the time in the US. In recent decades, native cases of Malaria are very rare. In fact, there have not been any native cases in over 20 years, until now. Typically, around 2000 cases of Malaria are identified in the US but they are all associated with travel to Malaria-endemic regions. Although there have only been a handful of this mosquito-borne disease in Texas and Florida, they are the first native cases in over 20 years and can easily spread. Why is it reappearing? Warmer climate. More humidity and rain. In other words, climate change. And mosquitoes love it. Other microbes like Zika virus, West Nile virus are also seen in the US. Watch for standing water in your yard and use mosquito repellant.
I think you have to have your head stuck pretty far up you-know-where to deny that climate change is occurring. Record setting heat all over the world. Premature tornado seasons. Extreme flooding. Hot-tub like oceans with dying reefs. How much proof do we need?
I think that as the fall and start of the next school year approaches, we are likely to see a much clearer new Covid spike. We are certainly going to see other typical conditions like the flu, and other common upper respiratory infections caused by such common viruses like adenovirus and rhinovirus. It will be interesting to see how our health care organizations and governmental bodies respond and what their recommendations will be.
In the meantime, work on your health. A healthy body is your best defense.
Eat well. Push the plants (the only source of fiber) and avoid animal products (the only significant source of saturated fats not to mention hormones and other drugs like antibiotics).
Move as much as possible.
Get vaccinated. Covid, Flu, Shingles. These are all a must for adults. Keep your kids up to date. I’ve seen more than a few measles-related permanent hearing losses.
If you are sick, get tested and stay away from other people.
The days are getting shorter so enjoy the end of the summer with your friends and families as much as you can.
Be safe and stay well.
AC