“I’m not surprised by COVID anymore,” said Dr. Timothy Hendrix from AdventHealth.
Recent reports from the CDC indicate increases in COVID-19 test positivity rates, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and deaths. Wastewater monitoring shows a notable surge in cases in Florida, which the CDC now classifies as having "very high" levels of the virus.
“Anecdotally, a lot of people are currently testing positive for COVID,” noted Dr. Jill Roberts from the USF College of Public Health.
The rise in cases is partly attributed to the emergence of highly contagious FLiRT variants. “The shift in these strains is contributing to a bump in positivity rates,” Roberts explained.
Health officials also attribute the current surge to recent Fourth of July celebrations and increased travel, which have accelerated the spread. “We’re becoming accustomed to these periodic waves of COVID that align with new variants and holiday events,” Hendrix observed.
With summer travel expected to remain high for the next few weeks, doctors anticipate the spread of the virus to continue. “Travel is booming, and popular destinations worldwide are extremely crowded,” Roberts said.
Many experts predict that this surge could extend into the start of the upcoming school year. “From the patients I’ve seen, symptoms are typically the standard cough, fatigue, and general discomfort,” Hendrix added.
For those who contract COVID-19 this summer, treatments are available to help mitigate severe symptoms. “Paxlovid remains an effective antiviral for high-risk individuals,” Hendrix advised.
Officials recommend testing for COVID-19 and staying home if you feel ill. “While quarantine guidelines have changed, the current advice is to stay home until you’re feeling better or have been fever-free for 24 hours, regardless of whether it’s COVID, the flu, or another illness,” Hendrix said.