The COVID-19 pandemic has been a rollercoaster ride, with waves of infections ebbing and flowing across the United States. Now, as the summer months approach, the country is once again witnessing a resurgence of cases, with emergency department visits associated with the virus on the rise and wastewater surveillance data indicating high viral activity levels.
This latest surge has prompted a reset in our understanding of COVID-19's seasonal patterns and the necessary precautions individuals should take. To navigate this complex situation, CNN turned to Dr. Leana Wen, a renowned emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, who previously served as Baltimore's health commissioner.
According to Dr. Wen, the summer wave of COVID-19 infections should not come as a surprise, as the pandemic has consistently followed a pattern of multiple waves each year, with one typically peaking during the summer months. This could be due to increased travel as well as more people gathering indoors due to hot weather, she explains.
The degree of concern, however, varies based on individual medical circumstances. Dr. Wen emphasizes that those who are older, immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions should be particularly vigilant. They should be sure they are up-to-date with vaccines, have a plan for accessing antiviral treatment and consider additional precautions such as masking in crowded indoor spaces and trying to gather outdoors instead of indoors.
For the general population, Dr. Wen advises a balanced approach. Many people have returned to their full pre-pandemic lives and are thinking of COVID-19 the way they consider other respiratory viruses: They don't want to get these viruses, but they also don't want to stop socializing and going to restaurants, the theater and religious services.
To mitigate risk, Dr. Wen suggests reducing exposure before visiting vulnerable individuals, such as by avoiding indoor gatherings and masking in crowded settings. She also emphasizes the continued usefulness of rapid antigen home tests, despite their lower accuracy compared to laboratory PCR testing. People who have symptoms and could be eligible for antiviral treatment should take the rapid test. If it's initially negative, take it again the next day to be sure.
Regarding travel, Dr. Wen recommends wearing N95 or equivalent masks in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, dining outdoors when possible, and having a plan in place for accessing care and accommodations should one contract COVID-19 during the trip.
The timing of COVID-19 booster shots has also become a point of consideration, with a new vaccine formulation expected to be available in the coming months. Dr. Wen suggests that, given the proximity of the new vaccine's release, it may be reasonable for many individuals to wait for the updated version, which should better target the currently circulating variants.
Finally, on the topic of isolation guidelines, Dr. Wen notes that the CDC has dropped the previous five-day requirement, now recommending that individuals with COVID-19 stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours and their symptoms are improving. However, she emphasizes the need for additional precautions when living with or visiting vulnerable individuals, such as avoiding close contact and dining together.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, this detailed article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the current summer surge. By understanding the nuances of the situation and following the expert advice of Dr. Leana Wen, individuals can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their loved ones while maintaining their normal routines and activities.
