While we’ve collectively made many great strides in curtailing the harms wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, from vaccines to antiviral medications, we’re unfortunately not yet 100% out of the woods when it comes to dealing with those pandemic problems. As the University of Minnesota’s Center For Disease Research And Policy noted back in March, global COVID-19 case numbers began to slowly tick back up.
That case resurgence first began across countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, but has since begun to impact the United States; Axios recently reported that 44 states have been affected by this case uptick. Furthermore, Dr. Deborah Birx recently told CBS News that the country should prepare for a summer COVID surge, particularly around southern states.
"Each of these surges is about four to six months apart. That tells me that natural immunity wanes enough in the general population after four to six months,” Dr. Birx warned a CBS “Face The Nation” panel this past Sunday. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of utilizing home test kits, vaccines, booster shots, and antiviral treatments to ensure Americans remain protected.
But if you’re still feeling unsure, uncertain, and anxious about this COVID case resurgence, what should you know about it, and what can be done to protect yourself? Without any further adieu, here’s what.
COVID Cases Rising Again?
This past Saturday, the seven-day average of COVID case numbers surged all the way up to 51,000, a marked increase from 49,000 the week prior, and 31,000 the month prior. Furthermore, a recent Centers For Disease Control study (covered by CNN) approximated that roughly 60% of US adults and 75% of children now have antibodies indicative of COVID-19 infection.
It’s not yet entirely clear what the prominence of these antibodies means for natural immunity against COVID-19. But for what it’s worth, while cases are on the rise, the bulk of these cases are trending toward less severe disease symptoms, which is a positive sign that vaccines, antivirals, and other protective measures are proving effective at reducing the harms wrought by the pandemic.
Even so, it’s still important to remain vigilant in the face of the continued dangers presented by the pandemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical adviser, elaborated last week that "We're not over the pandemic. Don't let anybody get the misinterpretation that the pandemic is over, but what we are in is a different phase of the pandemic.”
Although that transitional phase still isn’t as dire as the peak of the pandemic, it’s still important to adhere to pandemic safety protocols until COVID-19 finally transitions out of the pandemic phase and into the endemic phase. The CDC recommends that Americans still:
- Wear masks in indoor public spaces where community COVID levels are high
- Remain up to date on their vaccinations, including boosters
- Socially distance, if they are not yet up to date with their vaccinations
- Wash hands often, cover their coughs, and disinfect surfaces regularly
- Keep self-test PCR kits on hand, in case potential COVID symptoms arise
- Vigilantly watch for COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, or breathing issues
- Follow official CDC guidance if a case of COVID-19 develops
You can also check out the CDC’s COVID County Check portal to monitor data on your community’s local transmission levels. Furthermore, it would likely be wise to consider opting for more telehealth services. Even if you’re uninsured or underinsured, you can still find affordable, attainable telehealth care, whether you need help accessing COVID treatments or additional urgent care services.
One great, all-around provider we would strongly recommend is Antidote Health. Since 2021, the company has continued to offer exemplary affordable telehealth coverage and has since branched out to beef up its affordable coverage options for families. Consider consulting one of their online doctors about any COVID-related questions or concerns.
COVID Telehealth Services
Read our full review to learn more about Antidote Health, and if you conclude that the provider is right for you, you can sign up here and claim $10 off your first visit using promo code “RELIEFSEEKER”!
