Is another COVID-19 uptick approaching?

Katie Lindstrom

SOUTH BEND - COVID-19 hasn't disappeared.

In this fourth summer of Covid-19, the virus is still circulating and infections are once again on the rise nationally. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations are also increasing in the USA. Data suggests we are nowhere near the crisis of past covid surges, and this rise is not unexpected. However, it might not be a bad idea to go back to safety measures because during August transmission is increasing.

Currently, the highly mutated COVID strain, BA.2.86 (Coronavirus Omicron variant), and EG.5 (Eris), currently the latest and most common subvariant in the U.S., can be very nasty and disruptive to life. It might be wise to at least wear a mask at public transit and airports.

Though the virus is still out there, many people have received the first two boosters, but none since. Those who have not received an updated shot since the September 2022 boosters that were designed to protect against Omicron subvariants BA. 5 and BA. 4 are long overdue for one. The Herald visited with Pacific County Director of Public Health Katie Lindstrom about the current status of COVID-19 in north Pacific County and what to do to try and stay free of it.

Vaccinations are still vital to avoiding Covid. The Herald asked Lindstrom how often she would recommend people get Covid shots? Lindstrom said, "The current recommendations depend on the individual circumstance like age and health. Here are the general recommendations: Everyone 6 and older should have at least one of the updated bivalent booster to be considered up to date. People age 65 and older can get a second updated booster, and people who are immune compromised are eligible for additional boosters. We recommend folks who are immune compromised talk to their provider to get a recommendation specific to their situation. For children 6 months to 5 years, booster recommendations depend on how many doses total the child has had. We'd also recommend talking to a provider for this age group to get a recommendation based on the specific vaccine history for the child. We do expect a newly formulated booster covering the latest variants to be released sometime this fall, so if people are due for a booster, then that should be an option soon. More information regarding boosters can be found here:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html."

People in north Pacific County are still getting infected with Covid. So, what is the best thing people can do to avoid getting it? "It's hard to avoid exposure to COVID 100 percent, but folks can continue to take some basic precautions to reduce their risk, including staying up to date on boosters, avoiding being around others with COVID (or who are symptomatic but haven't tested), maintaining good ventilation in your home or work setting and limiting time spent in crowded indoor settings," Lindstrom said. "For those that are high risk or who have a preference to wear a face covering, that can also help reduce risk.

"If you do test positive for COVID and are high risk, reach out to your provider to see if an antiviral medication such as Paxlovid could help," Lindsrtrom added. "A comprehensive list of prevention strategies can be found here :https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html."

Lindstrom informed that cases and hospitalizations locally and throughout the state have increased. Nationally, the number of new weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations has risen 12 percent each week during August.

"We have seen a slight uptick in cases, hospitalizations locally and across the state; however, rates are still relatively low compared to the past," Lindstrom said. "We continue recommending that individuals know their risk and take precautions as needed. The Health Department and several local providers continue to offer vaccines and the schedule can be found at www.pacificcountycovid19.com/get-vaccinated. Individuals can also pick up free COVID-19 test kits at either health department location (South Bend, Long Beach) and any Timberland Regional Library location in Pacific County.

The two Pacific County Health & Human departments are located in South Bend at 1216 Robert Bush Drive (875-9343) and in Long Beach at 7013 Sandridge Road (642-9349).