COVID-19 summer surge hits Georgia

Officials from the Northeast Georgia Health System report a noticeable surge in COVID-19 cases. Although this variant is more contagious, it generally causes milder symptoms compared to earlier strains. Since 2020, the health system has conducted widespread testing to monitor the virus’s spread.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Supriya Mannepalli emphasizes the ongoing vigilance against COVID-19, noting the current positivity rate has increased to 22%. The CDC no longer tracks individual case numbers but reports that emergency room visits for COVID-19 are rising, both in Georgia and nationally.

Summertime outbreaks have become the norm since the pandemic. There also is expected to be a spike around the Christmas holidays. 

Despite the increase, the severity of cases appears to be lessening, with more patients experiencing mild symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, and fever. However, certain groups, including older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, remain at higher risk of severe illness.

A new booster shot targeting recent variants is expected in late summer. Meanwhile, the CDC advises treating COVID-19 similarly to the flu, recommending isolation during symptoms and mask-wearing to prevent spread. Dr. Mannepalli stresses the importance of vaccination and consulting with healthcare providers, particularly for high-risk individuals.

The virus has shown a seasonal surge twice each year, spiking in July and August, then again in December and January. 

Although masks are not mandatory, it is advisable, especially in crowded indoor settings with poor ventilation. If somebody has symptoms, they should have a test to avoid passing the virus onto others if a COVID-19 infection is confirmed.