CLEVELAND — A total of 39 states are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, including those that surround Ohio. So far, Ohio remains stable, although we are seeing a slight uptick in cases in the Buckeye State.
If those allergies are still bothering you, and you’re feeling exhausted and fatigued, you might want to take a COVID test, because it might not be allergies.
The latest COVID symptoms seem to mimic respiratory illnesses, and while mild, can include the following:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of smell
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Body aches
These are typical things we don’t usually experience during summer.
COVID still not a seasonal virus, so we can’t predict when it’s going to have a peak season. And as we’ve learned in the past, it’s not uncommon to see summer spikes.
As of last week, our wastewater monitoring indicates the JN. 1 variant is the main variant infecting Ohioans.
Last week Ohio had 84 new hospitalizations and cases topped 1,700 reported, but as we know, that’s a drop in the bucket to what’s probably really going on since we don’t test like we used to do.
Ohio also had nine COVID deaths last week.
Once school is back in session, we can expect cases to rise again as people are in closer proximity to one another and the virus has an easier time spreading. And of course the virus will continue to mutate as it always does.
CDC vaccine advisers on Thursday will discuss who should get the updated COVID-19 shots that will be released in the fall.
But likely those over 65 and the immunocompromised will be at the top of the list. Meanwhile, even though it’s summer, remember COVID never went away and with the July 4th holiday weekend, it’s a perfect time for the virus to spread at parties and among crowds.
Wash your hands and use care around those who are more vulnerable.
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