Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Aug 16, 2024 2:04:39 GMT
High levels of COVID in wastewater in the Carolinas - Published Aug 15, 2024
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new variant of COVID is sweeping across the country, particularly here in the Carolinas.
“Our urgent care centers are seeing a significant increase throughout the month of August in cases of COVID,” Bon Secours Regional Medical Director, Matt Delfino said.
The CDC reports levels of COVID in wastewater are very high in North and South Carolina. This is typically how the CDC measures levels now because most people don’t go into a doctor’s office to get a COVID test.
Dr. Delfino said the most dominant COVID strain right now is called KP.3. Luckily, he says most cases are mild and there are few hospitalizations or deaths compared to other variants. But the vaccine is still recommended.
“The reason why COVID has become less severe over time is because as a whole we have gained some immunity,” Dr. Delfino said. “We have a better ability to fight it because we have been vaccinated or exposed to it. However, if we don’t keep that up, then we could see a reassurance in severe COVID.”
Dr. Delfino says the newest vaccine is designed to target variant KP.3. This vaccine should be available at the end of August or in September.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new variant of COVID is sweeping across the country, particularly here in the Carolinas.
“Our urgent care centers are seeing a significant increase throughout the month of August in cases of COVID,” Bon Secours Regional Medical Director, Matt Delfino said.
The CDC reports levels of COVID in wastewater are very high in North and South Carolina. This is typically how the CDC measures levels now because most people don’t go into a doctor’s office to get a COVID test.
Dr. Delfino said the most dominant COVID strain right now is called KP.3. Luckily, he says most cases are mild and there are few hospitalizations or deaths compared to other variants. But the vaccine is still recommended.
“The reason why COVID has become less severe over time is because as a whole we have gained some immunity,” Dr. Delfino said. “We have a better ability to fight it because we have been vaccinated or exposed to it. However, if we don’t keep that up, then we could see a reassurance in severe COVID.”
Dr. Delfino says the newest vaccine is designed to target variant KP.3. This vaccine should be available at the end of August or in September.