Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are Ticking Up

Yet another summer wave may have started in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitalizations for COVID-19 are on the rise. Dr. Brendan Jackson, the CDC’s COVID-19 Incident Manager, states that after months of steady declines, cases are starting to increase again. Early indicators such as the amount of virus in wastewater, the percentage of positive tests, and the number of people seeking care for COVID in emergency rooms have all been rising since early July. This could potentially be the start of a late summer wave.

Hospitalizations on the rise, but still lower than previous summers

For the week ending July 15, hospitalizations jumped 10% to 7,109 from the previous week, according to the latest CDC data. However, the numbers remain relatively low compared to previous summers. Dr. Jackson compares the decline in cases to a ski slope, with the recent increase resembling a small jump at the bottom. Most hospitalizations are among older people, but deaths from COVID are still falling and are at their lowest since the CDC began tracking them.

Immunity from vaccinations and previous infections provides some protection

Experts believe that even if infections and hospitalizations continue to rise, the severity of another wave would be much lower than previous summers due to the immunity people have developed from vaccinations and previous infections. Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious disease specialist at New York University, states that the general population seems to be in a good place in terms of immunity. However, some experts remain skeptical about the possibility of a significant summer wave.

Individual decisions and protection for high-risk individuals

The CDC advises individuals to make their own decisions about wearing masks while traveling or in crowded places. However, high-risk individuals, such as older people and those with underlying health conditions, should continue to protect themselves by staying up to date on vaccinations, getting tested if they feel sick, and seeking prompt treatment if infected. The work of protecting people from the virus will continue as long as it circulates, and scientists and doctors anticipate another wave in the fall and winter.

Future projections and preparations

Scientists and doctors predict that COVID-19 will remain a significant concern in the coming years. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve a new vaccine in September to boost immunity and mitigate the impact of future waves. Some projections suggest that COVID could be worse than a severe flu season, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths annually. Epidemiologists emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to control the virus and protect public health.