US faces winter COVID surge and hospitalizations; learn preventive measures to protect health

According to the latest American maps from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), fourteen states are experiencing a sharp increase in hospitalizations linked to the coronavirus. There is an 8.6 percent increase in cases in the United States, with 16,239 new hospital admissions in the week ending November 11. According to US News, “The increase comes after new weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations mostly trended downward or remained stable since the start.” September.”

The peak of cases is higher in the upper Midwest, parts of the South Atlantic and southern mountainous regions. According to reports, hospitalizations have increased steadily since late June, peaking in early September but remaining stable around 15,000 through October and November. Although this figure is significantly lower than the peak of more than 150,600 recorded in January 2021, the latest data reveals concerning trends in several states.

According to reports, Vermont leads with a 70 percent increase, followed by Iowa and Alaska with 60 percent. Montana, Minnesota and Hawaii saw increases of more than 30 percent. Virginia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington DC are reporting increases of more than 20%.

Health experts say colder weather helps the coronavirus spread. “Colder weather tends to lead to increased spread of viruses and other infections,” notes the CDC. According to a 2020 study, the COVID virus can persist longer in cold, dry conditions.

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During a two-week period ending Nov. 11, the HV.1 variant of COVID-19 accounted for 29% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, according to the CDC. After HV.1, the second most common variant was EG.5, which accounted for around 22% of cases. Next come FL.1.5.1 or “Fornax” and XBB.1.16 or “Arcturus”.

Simple but proven preventive measures suggested by WHO to protect yourself from COVID in winter include wearing a well-fitted mask when needed, maintaining a physical distance of at least 1 meter, ventilating indoor spaces by opening windows and/or doors, avoid closed, confined or crowded spaces, keep hands clean and cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue. It is also important to be fully vaccinated and avoid traveling if you are at risk.