New Covid Cases..

COLUMBUS, Ohio — COVID-19 has evolved and mutated a lot compared to the first cases the U.S. saw over four years ago.

What You Need To Know

Latest Variant - FLiRT: The newest variant of COVID-19, called FLiRT, is causing the most recent cases.

Summer Spike: Officials say the rise in cases is due to more people gathering during the summer.

Prevention Tips: Follow CDC guidelines such as handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing to stay safe.

Current Situation in Ohio: COVID-19 cases in Ohio have increased by about 27% recently. However, Dr. Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic says this isn’t too worrying because the initial number of cases was low. Right now, the Ohio Department of Health reports over 3.7 million cases statewide.

Understanding the Summer Spike

This increase in cases during summer isn’t new. Ohio has seen similar trends in previous years. Dr. Khabbaza explains that unlike the flu, COVID-19 doesn’t have a specific season when it peaks. Instead, we see waves of cases at different times throughout the year. On average, Dr. Khabbaza treats one to two COVID-19 patients daily. Most people have mild symptoms, but the infection is still challenging.

“In outpatient care, we’re not seeing many severe cases,” says Dr. Khabbaza. “Recent variants aren’t causing much severe disease, which is good. But, COVID-19 isn’t predictable yet, so we can’t say which months will have higher cases because new variants keep emerging.”

Impact of Summer Activities

Mark Cameron, an infectious disease expert at Case Western Reserve University, links the rise in cases to increased travel and large summer gatherings. New variants likely spread when people travel and attend events like festivals and concerts. While the current summer spike isn’t too concerning, Cameron warns it might indicate what’s coming later in the year.

“As people return to school and fall activities, cases might rise again,” Cameron says. “By late September and October, we’ll be entering the cold and flu season. Summer variants can change and affect our flu season.”

CDC Guidelines to Stay Safe

Get Your Booster Shot: It helps protect against new variants.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and clean surfaces with disinfectant.

Self-Test: COVID-19 symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu.

Wear a Mask: Especially in crowded places or gatherings.

You can schedule a booster shot with your healthcare provider or visit your local pharmacy.

Answer

COVID-19 has changed a lot since it first appeared over four years ago. The latest version, called FLiRT, is causing most of the new cases now. Health experts say the rise in cases is due to people gathering more in the summer. To stay safe, follow CDC guidelines like washing your hands, wearing masks, and keeping a distance from others.

In Ohio, COVID-19 cases have gone up by about 27% recently, but doctors like Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic say there’s no need to worry too much because the starting number of cases was low. Right now, Ohio has over 3.7 million cases. Dr. Khabbaza notes that COVID-19 doesn’t have a specific season like the flu; it comes in waves throughout the year. He treats about one to two patients a day, and most have mild symptoms.

Mark Cameron, an expert from Case Western Reserve University, says the spike in cases is due to more travel and big summer gatherings. New variants probably spread when people travel and attend events like concerts. While the summer increase isn’t too concerning, it might show what could happen later in the year. As people go back to school and fall activities, cases might rise again, especially with the flu season starting in late September and October.

To protect yourself, the CDC recommends getting your latest COVID booster shot, practicing good hygiene, testing yourself if you feel sick, and wearing a mask in crowded places. You can get a booster shot from your doctor or local pharmacy.

Amarjeet Jandawar