July 17th, 2024

Covid Rates Are Rising Again. Why Does SARS-CoV-2 Spread So Well in the Summer?

COVID rates in the U.S. are rising due to human behavior, immunity, and environmental factors. Variants like FLiRT and LB.1 contribute to increased transmissibility. Recommendations include vaccination and improving indoor air quality.

Read original articleLink Icon
Covid Rates Are Rising Again. Why Does SARS-CoV-2 Spread So Well in the Summer?

COVID rates are rising again in the U.S. during the summer months, attributed to factors like human behavior, immunity, and environmental conditions. The virus, SARS-CoV-2, shows peaks in both hot and cold seasons, with recent variants like FLiRT and LB.1 potentially contributing to increased transmissibility. Human behavior, such as gatherings and travel, along with indoor settings with poor ventilation, play a role in the spread. While humidity and temperature can affect transmission, they are considered less significant compared to human behavior and virus characteristics. With climate change leading to more time spent indoors, the risk of transmission may increase. Immunity from past exposure may decrease over time, making individuals more susceptible to infection. Recommendations include getting vaccinated, improving indoor air quality, and avoiding crowded spaces. Structural solutions like redesigning buildings for better ventilation and climate control are suggested to combat the spread of COVID. Overall, while immunity levels have increased through vaccination and prior infections, precautions like masking and vaccination remain crucial in managing the ongoing pandemic.

Related

How extreme heat affects human health: A research roundup (2023)

How extreme heat affects human health: A research roundup (2023)

Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. President Biden issued a Hazard Alert to protect workers. Mitigation strategies include reducing emissions and enhancing community support during heat waves.

Extreme heat is a global killer and worse for our health than previously thought

Extreme heat is a global killer and worse for our health than previously thought

Research reveals extreme heat as a global threat, causing more deaths than previously thought. Canada faces record heat in 2024. Urgent actions are needed to address heat-related health risks worldwide.

Why is everyone sick? Cold, flu, and Covid season is here

Why is everyone sick? Cold, flu, and Covid season is here

The current season witnesses a surge in respiratory infections, leading to increased hospital admissions for flu, RSV, and Covid-19 across various age groups. Factors include reduced immunity from pandemic precautions. Vaccination, hygiene, and seeking medical help are crucial for prevention and treatment.

New Covid Shots Recommended for Americans 6 Months and Older This Fall

New Covid Shots Recommended for Americans 6 Months and Older This Fall

The CDC urges all Americans 6 months and older to get new Covid-19 vaccines this fall. Data shows unvaccinated individuals faced severe outcomes. Vaccination is crucial to curb virus spread and protect vulnerable populations.

Climate change is coming for hospitals

Climate change is coming for hospitals

Climate change poses a growing threat to hospitals globally, with a 41% increase in damage risk from 1990 to 2020. Recent incidents, like US hospital closures due to extreme weather, highlight the trend. Thousands of healthcare facilities worldwide face challenges, especially in low-lying coastal regions. Flooding, fires, and cyclones impact hospitals, with projections suggesting one in 12 hospitals may shut down by the century's end. Extreme heatwaves strain healthcare systems. Climate-resilient measures, like those in Vietnam, are crucial for hospital resilience.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @egberts1 - 7 months
Does anyone know why the definition of vaccine has been relaxed to include any kind of efficacy?

Most vaccines today (before COVID) boast 95% efficacy rate.

I have not read good things much in the way SARS-CoV-19 inoculant's efficacy rate.

By @dom96 - 7 months
Yeah. It’s definitely spiking. I managed to survive 4.5 years without catching it and just caught it this week.
By @lifestyleguru - 7 months
Nope. It's not going back.