Summer/Fall 2024 COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 and new treatment breakthroughs will help us all stay healthy and well.
Information about the 2024 summer wave of COVID-19 changes quickly as we learn more about the virus — and how the virus continues to mutate and evolve. Here’s what to know this season.
Growing Numbers
According to the CDC, “As of July 30, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 35 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 2 states and territories, and are stable or uncertain in 7 states and territories.”
While we tend to spend more time outdoors in the summer and fall, we also are more likely to spend our time in larger groups. We also spend much of our time indoors with the windows closed and the air conditioning on, circulating our air. These factors along with summer celebrations, the return to school and holiday celebrations will all bring potential risk for COVID-19 cases to rise.
New COVID-19 Variants
New seasons bring new variants and mutations to the COVID-19 coronavirus. This grouping of variants is nicknamed the “FLiRT” variants after the technical names of the mutations.
The two strains within the FLiRT group that are currently on the rise are known as KP.3.1.1 and KP.3.
Consistent Precautions
Despite new waves of the COVID-19 virus as seasons change, our methods of protection and precaution are still similar to those in the past.
Do your best to spend your time in well-ventilated areas with fresh air
If you are in a large group of people for extended periods of time, consider wearing a mask, if possible, especially if you have conditions that increase your risks of complications from COVID-19
Avoid contact with those who have tested positive for COVID-19
If you test positive for COVID-19 this season, it is recommended you distance and take precautions to reduce the spread of the virus. It is safest if you resume your day-to-day activities if:
You have no fever for 24 hours AND are not using fever-reducing medicine
Do your best to mask around others when spending time indoors for the next 5 days
Moving Forward in the Age of COVID-19
With precaution and awareness, COVID-19 does not have to slow you or your lifestyle down. Be aware of the risks and do what’s best for you and your loved ones.
WellNow Urgent Care is a series of urgent care clinics and virtual care serving the Midwest and Northeastern United States in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.