Pulse

New COVID-19 variants fuel summer surge

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A business woman dressed in a sweater and blazer sits at a table at home holding a covid-19 rapid test awaiting results.

Sniffles, sneezes and seasonal symptoms frequently occur this time of year, but there is a chance that what you assume is a summer cold – may be COVID-19. Among employees at Eastern Virginia Medical School, the number of positive cases has been rising, from only one in May of this year to 13 cases in June and 39 confirmed in July, with more data incoming.

“New ‘FliRT’ variants KP.2, KP.3 and LB.1 are the JN.1 descendants and seem to be more infectious,” said Margaret Baumgarten, MD, (Family Medicine Residency, ’02) Professor and Vice Chair of Family & Community Medicine at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. “Surges in COVID-19 infection occur due to the emergence of new variants and decreasing immunity from previous infections and vaccinations.”

According to the CDC, in mid-May of this year, just 0.33% people who visited the emergency room were diagnosed with COVID-19. In the week ending July 20th numbers rose to 1.68% – an increase of almost 410%.

“While the COVID-19 virus is not a typical ‘winter’ respiratory virus,” said Dr. Baumgarten, “it does have a pattern and peaks during the winter and at other times of the year – including the summer.” 

The COVID-19 vaccine is effective against severe illness and hospitalization. The 2023-2024 vaccine was targeting the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant. An updated 2024-2025 vaccine will be available soon and will protect against the JN variant, the Omicron subvariant. The JN is antigenically distinct from the XBB variant.

For the majority of people, COVID-19 is just another respiratory virus, but for vulnerable patients, it is a disease that causes hospitalization and even death. People may have developed fatigue from following COVID-19 protocols and are less likely to follow hygiene, use masks or distancing.

No one wants to get sick, especially in the summer, and COVID-19 is here to stay. Dr. Baumgarten said that taking a few simple steps can help to protect you and your loved ones from infection and serious illness:

  • Keepup to date with COVID-19 immunizations.
  • Get tested.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Follow return-to-work recommendations.

For more information on current COVID-19 guidance and requirements for students, faculty, staff, residents and fellows at EVMS, visit evms.edu/covid-19.

Free COVID tests will be available again by mail in September from the federal government. Please use this link for updates and to order your free COVID-19 tests (four per household).