A new wave of COVID-19 may be coming, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detecting increased levels of the virus in wastewater nationwide. According to CDC data, more than 40% of states have high or very high levels of COVID-19 activity, suggesting an increased risk of infection.
The increase in COVID-19 cases comes as people prepare to travel and gather with family and friends during the holiday season. Experts warn that this may be a “winter wave” due to increased indoor gatherings and circulating pathogens.
According to public health expert Michael Hoerger, one in 64 Americans are “actively infectious.” He also estimates that there’s a one in eight chance of exposure to COVID-19 at a family gathering of 10 people if no one is testing or isolating.
While the level of SARS-COV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) has fallen since summer, researchers can detect viral activity in wastewater before symptoms appear. This allows for early warnings and preventive measures, such as hand washing, vaccination, and mask-wearing.
Other barometers of COVID activity, including hospitalizations and deaths, remain low. However, experts urge caution, especially during the holiday season when people are more likely to be indoors and interacting with others.
To reduce the risk of getting sick, experts recommend frequent hand washing, getting vaccinated, wearing masks in crowded spaces, avoiding touching one’s face or picking one’s nose, and being mindful of contaminated surfaces. By taking these precautions, individuals can decrease their likelihood of getting sick during the holiday season.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/24/covid-winter-2024-cdc-data/77199841007