As winter approaches, there are growing concerns about the resurgence of COVID-19 in the U.S. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation. Infectious disease experts provide crucial insights on essential safety measures and important information for the public.
As winter approaches, questions arise about the potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
A recent map detailing COVID-19 activity across the United States indicates that approximately 18 states are experiencing high or very high levels of viral activity, while 21 states report low or minimal activity.
COVID rates in the United States remain low, according to a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who informed TODAY.com that emergency department visits, deaths, and hospitalizations are either stable or on the decline nationwide.
Experts predict that rates will rise in the upcoming weeks as more individuals congregate indoors for the holiday season. Experts typically observe a significant winter wave during this period; however, a national wave has not yet emerged. Michael Hoerger, Ph.D., an associate professor at Tulane University and a public health expert specializing in COVID-19 infection tracking, shared these insights with TODAY.com, noting the considerable uncertainty present in the data.
“According to him, we are currently experiencing the highest level of uncertainty in pandemic forecasting that we have seen in the last two years,” he states.
As winter 2024 to 2025 approaches, here are the key updates regarding COVID in the U.S.
Currently, there are questions surrounding the potential surge of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely to determine the latest trends and impacts on public health.
According to various experts, there is currently no surge in COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director of infection prevention at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, stated to TODAY.com, “In fact, we are entering the holiday season at one of the lowest COVID rates in the past few years.”
He believes that a significant number of Americans may still possess immunity due to infections that occurred during the recent summer COVID-19 wave, which reached its peak in August.
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, stated to TODAY.com, “We did see that summer surge, then it abated, and COVID is continuing to smolder … but we haven’t seen a large uptick yet.”
“However, according to modeled estimates from the CDC regarding epidemic growth, a rise in COVID-19 cases is anticipated, particularly as is typical during the winter months,” stated the CDC spokesperson.
Dr. Aaron Glatt, the chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, anticipates a rise in cases as individuals spend more time indoors during the holiday season. However, he expresses optimism that the severity of complications will remain relatively low, thanks to vaccination efforts and previous COVID exposures.
“According to Schaffner, the current state of population immunity is quite robust, and the existing variants appear to be less severe, leading to an increase in milder infections. However, he cautions that the virus can still affect vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, frail, or immunocompromised, who are at a higher risk of requiring hospitalization.”
Which states are currently reporting the highest rates of COVID-19 infections?
Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, chief hospital epidemiology officer at Tampa General Hospital, reported to TODAY.com that the overall prevalence of COVID is low, noting that the highest activity is currently observed in the Midwest.
Recent analysis of viral activity in wastewater, a highly reliable method for gauging COVID-19 cases following the CDC’s cessation of comprehensive tracking, reveals that as of December 7, the states experiencing the highest rates of COVID-19 are:
Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States, known for its diverse landscapes and significant cultural heritage.
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
The CDC has announced that the reporting of aggregate COVID-19 case and death data has been discontinued following the conclusion of the Public Health Emergency in May 2023.
Many regions across the country are currently reporting low rates of COVID-19 positive tests, with experts often defining these rates as being less than 5%.
A spokesperson for the CDC has reported that the five states exhibiting the highest COVID-19 test positivity rates are:
- Nevada reports a rate of 7.1%.
- Hawaii reports a rate of 7.1%.
- California reports a rate of 7.1%.
- Arizona reports a rate of 7.1%.
- Wyoming reports a rate of 6.3%.
- Cherabuddi emphasizes that the test positivity data is contingent upon the tests that are reported.
“The data from our testing remains incomplete.” He notes that there has been a decrease in testing compared to the levels observed during the pandemic.
What can we expect from COVID for the remainder of winter?
“Predicting the remainder of the winter poses challenges due to various influencing factors, such as the evolution of the virus, weather conditions, and levels of protection, among others,” states Cherabuddi.
According to Glatt, the United States could see a rise in cases during the spring as immunity from the fall diminishes.
Following a COVID-19 infection, individuals generate antibodies aimed at combating the virus. In response, the virus undergoes evolution to evade this immunity, leading to potential re-infection.
According to Hoerger, the current subvariants have not developed the ability to evade immunity as rapidly as is typically observed.
According to data from the CDC as of December 19, the XEC variant and KP.3.1.1 are responsible for the majority of COVID-19 infections.
According to a spokesperson from the CDC, the agency anticipates that the upcoming fall and winter respiratory disease season for 2024-2025 will likely see a comparable or reduced number of peak hospitalizations related to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV when compared to the previous season.
Symptoms of COVID-19 2024
A variety of symptoms can be observed among individuals, with mild respiratory issues such as congestion and sneezing being the most prevalent.
Research indicates that these symptoms are frequently misidentified as other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza (flu).
A previous study indicates that while symptoms alone cannot definitively identify COVID-19, the loss of taste and smell is more prevalent in COVID-19 cases than in other viral respiratory diseases.
Experts report that pneumonia is the most common complication associated with COVID-19, typically manifesting through symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chills.
The CDC reports that COVID symptoms typically emerge within a timeframe of two to 14 days following exposure.
The agency has identified several potential symptoms associated with COVID, which include:
A sore throat
A runny nose
Fevers
Cough
Individuals are reporting symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, and a loss of taste and smell.
Reports indicate the presence of a headache.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are symptoms that can indicate various health issues.
Muscle discomfort
According to experts, the prevailing subvariant known as XEC exhibits symptoms akin to those of recent variants and does not lead to more severe disease outcomes.
Strategies to Mitigate the Spread of COVID
The CDC spokesperson emphasizes the importance of various effective tools, including handwashing, masking, and increased ventilation, in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the risk of serious illness.
Cherabuddi emphasizes the importance of steering clear of crowded areas and taking additional precautions while traveling, particularly during critical phases like boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.
The CDC has issued the following recommendations for individuals who are feeling unwell or suspect they may have COVID-19:
It is imperative to get tested immediately.
Consult your doctor to determine if prescription medications, such as Paxlovid, are necessary for your treatment.
Individuals are advised to remain at home when experiencing illness.
Avoiding proximity to family members is advisable.
Maintain proper hygiene practices: It is essential to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water regularly, and ensure that frequently touched surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.
The CDC recommends ensuring that your home has the cleanest air possible.
Homeowners are encouraged to open doors and windows as much as possible while also considering the use of portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners.
Homeowners with a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) are advised to change the filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically every three months.
It is essential for Americans to remain informed about COVID-19 vaccination updates.
The CDC spokesperson stated, “The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to be effective against the variants currently in circulation.”
“Health officials emphasize that individuals still have the opportunity to receive their recommended immunizations, which can significantly lower the risk of illness this season, particularly severe cases that may lead to hospitalization.”
Treatment options for COVID-19
The CDC has identified the following as the most effective treatments for COVID:
Antiviral medications like Paxlovid have the potential to halt the virus’s multiplication when given promptly.
Commonly available medications include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough medicine, and fever reducers.
Take a break.
Maintaining a nutritious diet
Maintaining proper hydration
