Covid-19 has returned. Do you need to worry?

CNN: In the US, COVID-19 cases have started to increase once more.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that for weeks, the number of COVID-19-related ER visits has been rising. According to the most recent data, there was a 23.5% rise in COVID-19 emergency visits for the week ending July 6 compared to the week before. Additionally, as of July 6, the CDC says that there is a significant level of viral activity for COVID-19 in wastewater nationwide.

These tendencies are evident in my own social circle. This month, two pals contracted COVID-19 while abroad. Furthermore, there have been increased reports of coronavirus infections in well-known people. Doug Emhoff, for example, tested positive recently, and riders have been diagnosed at important athletic events like the Tour de France.

It's time to reconsider how we perceive the summer spread of COVID-19. Is there a reason for this summer wave, and should I be concerned about infection once more? What actions may individuals take to lower their risk of infection while leading regular lives? But what if I'm on the road? Is it better to acquire the vaccine now or wait for an upgraded version? Are tests still valid? And if I contract COVID-19, do I still need to isolate myself and avoid contact with my family?

I had a conversation with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen to help us navigate these topics. Wen works as a clinical associate professor at George Washington University and practices emergency medicine. She was the health commissioner for Baltimore before.

CNN: Given that COVID-19 instances are on the rise again, how concerned should the public be about this infection?

Leana Wen, D.O. It appears that we are experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 infections, based on data from the CDC. This is not a shocking discovery. There have been several waves of illnesses every year since the epidemic began, one of which peaks in the summer. This might be the result of more people traveling and staying inside more often because it's so hot outside.

The exact medical circumstances of each individual determine whether or not they should be concerned about contracting COVID-19. Older or immunocompromised people, as well as those with various underlying heart, lung, renal, and other medical issues, should be of particular concern. They should make sure their vaccinations are current, make a strategy for getting access to antiviral medication, and think about taking extra safety measures, including masking in crowded indoor areas and attempting to congregate outside rather than indoors.

CNN: What steps can individuals take to lower their risk of infection while going about their daily lives in the community? 

Many individuals have resumed their entire pre-pandemic lives and are viewing COVID-19 in the same way that they do other respiratory viruses: they don't want to contract the virus, but they also don't want to give up on going out and mingling with others and attending theaters, restaurants, and religious events. The risk assessment, in my opinion, will be based on the patient and their unique medical situation.

One thing to think about is lowering your risk of infection before paying a visit to a family member or acquaintance who is particularly susceptible. You could stay away from indoor gatherings and wear a mask when taking public transportation and in other crowded areas for about a week prior to that visit. It is also possible to lower your chance of infecting that susceptible person by doing a quick test right before the visit.

CNN: Speaking of testing, if someone exhibits symptoms, can they still be diagnosed with COVID-19 at home with a test?

Wen: Although rapid antigen home tests are a simple approach to screening for COVID-19, they are not as accurate as laboratory PCR testing. Those with symptoms who may benefit from antiviral therapy ought to undergo the quick test. Take another test the next day to be certain if the results are negative. Recall that the coronavirus is the only thing this test checks for. There are numerous additional viruses that can cause respiratory problems in you. Even if you test negative for COVID-19, you should avoid exposing yourself to vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms.

CNN: What tips do you have for lowering travel-related risk?

Wen: If you're in a crowded area with poor ventilation, you might want to wear a N95 mask or something similar. For example, wear a mask on trains with standing rooms only and when boarding an aircraft. Additionally, wherever possible, try to eat outside rather than inside. Carry some quick tests with you. Maintain a contingency plan for the event that you contract COVID-19. If you are qualified for antiviral medicines, how will you get access to them? Where are you going to stay? I strongly advise getting travel insurance since it can cover unexpected medical expenses and delay payments in the event that plans need to be changed.

CNN: In order to be as safe as possible during the summer heatwave, many people are keen to have a second COVID-19 vaccination. However, a new vaccination is scheduled to launch in the fall. Who may wait to receive the updated vaccine, and who should receive it now?

Wen: The COVID-19 vaccine is set to be released in a new formulation. It may become available as early as August and is anticipated to be released in September. When this vaccine becomes available, the CDC advises that everyone six months of age and older get it.

I believe it makes sense to hold off on getting the updated version of the vaccination since it will soon be available. This one should match the strains that are predicted to be prevalent in the fall and winter better, and it should more closely target the variants that are now in circulation.

Remember that the main goal of the vaccination is to lower the risk of serious sickness, which includes the possibility of dying and needing hospitalization. Infection prevention is not as well achieved by the vaccine. Although it doesn't work very well, it does have some effect on lowering the infection rate. We talked about taking extra care for those who require protection against infection, which always involves the danger of serious sickness and long-term COVID.

CNN: Lastly, should I continue to isolate myself and avoid my family if I have COVID-19 at this point?

Wen: The CDC discontinued requiring five days of isolation a few months ago. It is now advised that individuals with COVID-19 stay at home until their symptoms are getting better and they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours. They should continue to try to take extra measures, like masking and avoiding close contact with others, for the next five days.

My interpretation of this is that it is contingent upon the health status of other family members. I believe you could heed the CDC's advice as stated above if the other people are typically well and are not taking any extra precautions to lower their risk of contracting COVID-19.

But in my opinion, you should really stay away from someone who lives at home and is really vulnerable—like an elderly parent who has had a kidney transplant—until you test negative for COVID-19. This implies that you should not share common areas or have dinner indoors with them during that time.

In summary, even though a lot of people may continue with their lives throughout this summer heat wave, those who are at risk of serious disease should nevertheless take extra care. To assist in safeguarding individuals who are most vulnerable, those in their immediate vicinity should likewise exercise caution.