COVID-19 cases are spiking in the United States, after a highly contagious new variant swept the country over the summer.
The level of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater is “very high” nationally on both coasts, says official data.
In fact, covid spikes over every summer in the US since 2020.
Despite vaccines, “covid” mutates often, and “Stratus” (XFG) is the newest variant to be aware of, discovered since March and since the dominant strain.
XFG is a recombinant or hybrid of two existing omicron strains, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, the WHO informs.
This variant, with unique mutations in its spike protein, can easily infect both those who have been vaccinated and those previously infected. However, cases are generally not as severe as they once were, with much lower hospitalization rates than seen during the pandemic. It is known to cause a sore throat and hoarseness. Those who test positive are instructed to begin early use of antivirals like Paxlovid, and to get the newest version of the vaccine, especially if immunocompromised or over the age of 65.
We can also continue to wear masks or meet in the open air, practicing social distancing.
