United States: The recent upsurge in COVID-19 activities, including cases, deaths and hospitalisations, have forced the health agencies and authorities to update the recommendation for vaccines against both COVID and flu.
The announcement has been made during the times when the experts are anticipating that the activity will continue to rise during fall and winter virus season.
The concern was addressed by the director of CDC – Dr Mandy Cohen. While outlining the importance of vaccination and protection offered by the same, Cohen stated, “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,” as reported by indystar.com.
New Variants, A New Threat!
It is to be noted that the health authorities have outlined that sudden surge is seen after COVID-19 mutated and new variants formed, including KP.3 and LB.1. KP.3 variant is currently dominating and LB.1 is the newest circulating variant of COVID-19.
According to the data published by the agency, as of June 22, an increase of approximately 1.4 percent was noticed in the test positivity.
In between June 9 and June 22, the KP.3 variant was responsible for 33.1 percent of positive cases, followed by KP.2 variant which was at 20.8 percent and LB.1 variant which was behind 17.5 percent positive cases.
While emphasising the emergence and severity of the new variant LB.1, CDC Spokesperson – Dave Daigle told USA Today that as of now the health agency is not having any information regarding the severity of the variant, as reported by indystar.com.
Comparison of COVID and Flu Symptoms!
The health experts and authorities have urged the generic public to cautiously monitor the symptoms of respiratory illnesses, especially COVID and flu. They have also outlined that it is also important to know the comparison between COVID and flu symptoms, however they have outlined that people suffering with flu experienced sudden symptoms.
Some of the symptoms are as follows:
- Cough
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle or body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and Diarrhea (in certain cases).
Isolation period for COVID-19!
Amid the increasing cases of the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised the guidance and recommended people to stay isolated for at least 24 hours after they are getting better.
Along with this, the CDC has also added certain strategies that could be preventative against the disease. The strategies are as follows:
- Taking steps for cleaner air
- Enhancing hygiene practices
- Wearing a well-fitting mask
- Keeping distance from others
- Getting tested for respiratory viruses