Summer COVID Surge 2024: What Health Experts Say

 Summer COVID Surge 2024 has seen a significant rise in cases globally. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and expert advice on managing this surge.

Summer COVID Surge 2024: Rising Cases and New Strains

The summer COVID surge 2024 has brought a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide. President Biden recently testing positive reflects this broader trend. In the UK, new strains named N FLiRT and LB.1 are spreading rapidly. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows 153 COVID-related deaths in England and Wales in the week ending June 21. Public Health Scotland reported 1,153 new cases in the week ending June 30, up from 1,119 cases the previous week. Hospitalizations in Scotland also increased, with an average of 564 inpatients on June 30, up from 487 on June 23.

Why is COVID Spreading Now?

A common question during the summer COVID surge 2024 is why the virus is spreading in the summer, unlike other respiratory illnesses like colds and flu, which are more active in winter. Christina Pagel, professor of operational research in healthcare at University College London, explains that COVID-19 behaves differently. Unlike flu and RSV, which are generally confined to November to March, COVID-19 waves can occur at any time of year, causing disruptions to people’s lives, employment, and the NHS.

Factors Contributing to the Summer COVID Surge 2024

Experts point to increased summer travel and large events such as festivals and sports tournaments as key factors.

She also notes that the FLiRT and LB.1 variants may evade immunity from past infections or vaccinations due to specific changes in their spike proteins, making them more transmissible and potentially less susceptible to existing immunity.

Symptoms of the New Variants

The new FLiRT and LB.1 COVID-19 variants during the summer COVID surge 2024 present symptoms similar to previous strains, including a stubborn cough or sore throat. Dr. Malik outlines the common symptoms: “fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, muscle or body aches, shortness of breath, headache, and a runny nose.” The duration of these symptoms is expected to be similar to earlier variants.

Managing Symptoms and Self-Care

Doctors advise self-isolation and the use of over-the-counter treatments if experiencing symptoms during the summer COVID surge 2024.

Living with COVID-19

Despite the increase in cases during the summer COVID surge 2024, there are no signs that the latest strains result in more severe illness than previous variants. Jonathan Li, an infectious disease doctor and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasizes the need to adapt to living with the virus.

Preventive Measures and Staying Safe

Dr. Malik advises staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, maintaining good hand hygiene, and regular testing to help limit the spread during the summer COVID surge 2024. She adds, “Regular testing and isolating if you develop any symptoms or test positive can also help control the spread of the virus.” Individuals with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a persistent high fever, should seek medical attention. Those with underlying health conditions should contact their GP if they test positive or develop symptoms, as they may be at higher risk for severe illness.

Conclusion

As the summer COVID surge 2024 continues, it remains crucial to follow public health guidelines, stay informed about new developments, and take proactive measures to protect oneself and others. By staying vigilant and adapting to new variants, we can better manage and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our lives and communities.

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