Is Covid over? We wish.
Like us, you have probably understood that Covid – and variants of the virus – are I’m still hanging around.
And unfortunately, Covid cases are increasing.
Recent data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported In the United States, nearly 35,000 people have been hospitalized with Covid during the week of December 24. This represents an increase of more than 20% compared to the previous week. And Covid death rates increased by 12.5% between November 11 and December 30.
New variant of Covid
The latest Covid variant, JN. 1, could be the cause of the intensity of the recent spread. CDC data shows that JN.1 represents about 6 out of 10 of all Covid variants in circulation, an increase from estimates of 4 in 10 two weeks earlier.
Researchers have been tracking the new Covid variant for months. Its continued growth may mean it is easier to spread or attacks the immune system better than previous variants. And it’s not just about the United States: infections caused by JN. 1 are increasing all over the world.
Despite the rising number of cases in the United States, the CDC said there is no evidence that JN. 1 variant causes more serious illness or different symptoms and the number of Covid deaths and hospitalizations are still lower than in January 2023.
Read: Are you at high risk of serious illness from Covid-19? >>
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Vaccines can help protect against new Covid variant
The best way to keep keep you and your loved ones safe is to get the Covid updated vaccine. Viruses have the ability to change, but staying up to date with your vaccines greatly reduces the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid.
The CDC said current vaccines protect against severe illness and death from JN. 1 variant and all variants of Covid.
Read: Choose to protect yourself and your loved ones: get vaccinated against Covid >>
The CDC reports Fewer than 2 in 10 people in the United States have received the latest Covid vaccine. And only about 4 in 10 adults ages 65 and older have received the updated vaccine. But it’s not too late to get it. Talk to your healthcare professional about getting up to date on your Covid vaccine or find a pharmacy near you to get vaccinated.
You can also protect yourself from Covid by wearing a mask in public, washing your hands frequently, and staying away from people who may be sick.
If you have been exposed to someone with Covid, take a Covid test, isolate yourself if you have symptoms and wear a mask if you must be around people.
We all wish Covid was over, but the truth is it isn’t. Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself against serious illness – or death – from Covid.
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