The Pandemic May Feel Over, But COVID-19 Is Back This Summer

As many of us put COVID-19 behind us—storing away masks and moving on to life as we knew it—there’s an unmistakable reality check every summer. The once-dominant virus resurfaces, reminding us that it’s far from gone.

This season, we’re witnessing a rise in COVID-19 infections, driven by the new subvariant dubbed ‘Stratus’. Experts, including Dr. Elizabeth Hudson from Kaiser Permanente, suggest we can anticipate these summertime spikes as a new norm—much like the winter surges we’ve come to expect.

Why Does COVID-19 Surge in Summer?

Why does the heat seem to ignite COVID-19 cases? The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health highlights several reasons contributing to summer outbreaks:

1. **Travel and Social Gatherings**: With vacations and social events, people are mixing more, fostering the spread of the virus.

2. **Indoor Crowding**: To escape the heat, many retreat indoors, where lower humidity and air conditioning can facilitate the virus's transmission.

3. **Waning Immunity**: Immunity from vaccinations and past infections tends to decline over time, making individuals more susceptible.

4. **Virus Mutations**: As COVID-19 circulates, it mutates, and some versions gain the ability to partially evade our immune defenses, allowing them to spread effectively.

The Numbers Speak Volumes!

Current data shows a concerning upward trend. The positive test rate in California has surged to 11.59%, up from 5.69% just a month ago. Experts warn that this increase is likely to continue, reminiscent of patterns from previous summers.

Even more alarming, COVID-19 is increasingly sending children and seniors to the emergency rooms. Recent statistics reveal that COVID diagnoses were the reason for 4.04% of ER visits among children aged 11 and under—up from just over 1% in late June.

Don’t Ignore the Ongoing Threat!

The pandemic may no longer dominate our worries, but COVID-19 still poses serious health risks. Thousands continue to fall seriously ill every season, and the cumulative death toll is staggering. In the current season alone, the CDC estimates around 38,000 fatalities from COVID-19.

Vaccine Uptake Remains Low

Despite the threats, vaccination numbers tell a troubling story. In California, only 14.7% of residents have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine, with significantly lower rates among younger populations. Health officials continue to urge everyone over six months to stay updated on vaccinations, especially vulnerable groups.

What Should You Do This Summer?

This summer, protecting yourself is crucial. Here are some actionable steps:

- **Get Vaccinated**: If you’re due for a vaccine boost, now is the time.

- **Seek Treatment**: If you do get COVID-19, ask your doctor about medications like Paxlovid to help manage your symptoms.

- **Avoid Exposure**: Sticking to social distancing and avoiding sick individuals remains wise.

- **Mask Up**: Carry a high-quality mask (like an N95 or KF94) when out in public, especially indoors.

- **Improve Indoor Air Quality**: Simple actions like opening windows can enhance airflow.

- **Test When Needed**: If you show symptoms or have been exposed, testing is key.

Stay Informed and Safe This Summer!

As summer progresses, staying aware and proactive is essential. The ongoing surge in COVID-19 serves as a reminder that this virus is still part of our reality, and taking steps to protect yourself can make all the difference.