In anticipation of the autumn and winter virus season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending updated immunizations due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of a new form of the disease this summer.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement on Thursday, “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”
A number of COVID-19 variants are being monitored by the CDC, including the leading KP.3 variant and the recently emerged LB.1, which is circulating in the United States. Data gathered by the FDA showed that as of June 22, there had been a 1.4% increase in test positivity.
Should you get the updated COVID-19 vaccine ?
Whether or whether you have received a previous COVID-19 vaccination, the CDC advises that everyone 6 months of age and older, with a few exceptions, get the updated 2024–2025 vaccine to protect against the illness.
What are the current COVID variants
The CDC’s Nowcast data tracker displayed the projected distribution of COVID-19 variants for a two-week period beginning on June 9 and ending on June 22. The KP.2 variant, KP.3 variant, and novel variant LB.1 accounted for 20.8%, 17.5%, and 33.1% of positive infections, respectively.
The data showed that only 1.6% of positive infections were caused by the JN.1 variation.
What is the LB.1 variant?
The most recent COVID-19 version to circulate in the US is the LB.1 variant.
Based on the data currently available to the CDC, there is no indication that the LB.1 variation presents a significant risk.
What are the current symptoms of COVID-19?
A COVID-19 infection can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may emerge 2–14 days after viral contact. Among the symptoms are:
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
- Weary
- body pains or muscles
- a sore throat
- Runny or congested nose
- vomiting or feeling queasy
- The diarrhea
According to the CDC, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should get medical help:
- Breathing difficulties
- persistent chest pressure or pain
- fresh ambiguity
- incapacity to remain awake or wake up
- pale, gray, or blue lips, nail beds, or skin
How do COVID and flu symptoms compare?
Some of the indicators of COVID-19 and the flu are similar, however the CDC notes that flu symptoms appear suddenly. When someone has the flu, they frequently experience any or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
While the CDC states that diarrhea and vomiting are more common in children than in adults, some persons may experience these symptoms.
What is the CDC’s recommended isolation period for COVID-19?
According to the most recent respiratory virus guidelines from the CDC, patients should avoid going out until at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided and their symptoms are generally improving. This represents a departure from the prior guidelines, which suggested a five-day minimum isolation period for COVID-19.
Rather, the CDC advises taking extra precautions throughout the course of the next five days and employing preventative techniques like:
- Taking action to improve the air quality
- Improving personal hygiene habits
- Donning a mask that fits properly
- Keeping a safe distance from other people
- Having a respiratory virus test
