COVID-19 cases in Ohio have increased by around 27% compared to a few weeks ago. However, doctors like Joseph Khabbaza from Cleveland Clinic say communities shouldn't worry too much because the initial number of cases was relatively low. The latest figures from the Ohio Department of Health show just over 3.7 million cases statewide.
In Ohio, it's not unusual to see an increase in COVID-19 cases during the summer months. This has been a trend for the past few years. Unlike colds and flu, COVID-19 doesn't have a specific peak season but instead has waves of cases throughout the year. Joseph Khabbaza, a critical care doctor at Cleveland Clinic, treats about one to two patients daily on average. While many cases have mild symptoms, COVID-19 remains a challenging infection to deal with.
"In clinics, we're not seeing many people getting seriously ill," said Khabbaza. "Recent spikes and newer variants haven't been causing severe illness, which is positive. However, COVID-19 isn't fully predictable seasonally like the flu yet. Different variants can lead to varying case numbers throughout the year."
Mark Cameron, a researcher at Case Western Reserve University specializing in infectious diseases, believes the rise in cases is linked to more travel and large gatherings typical during the summer. He suggests that new variants or infections brought by travelers from other countries could contribute to the spread. Although the current summer numbers aren't alarming, Cameron warns they might indicate what could happen later in the year.
"As activities like students returning to campus and fall events resume, we could see another increase in cases. By late September and October, the usual cold and flu season begins," Cameron explained. "The variants we see during summer can evolve and affect us during the colder months."
The CDC provides advice on how to keep yourself safe during this surge of cases:
1. Get your latest COVID booster shot, as it protects against all new forms of the virus.
2. It's important to maintain clean surfaces and good hand hygiene by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and using disinfectant to wipe down counters and tables.
3. Make sure to get tested because COVID variants can sometimes seem like a common cold or flu.
4. Wear a mask when you're outside or attending gatherings.
You can contact your doctor to schedule your booster shot or go to a nearby pharmacy.
SOURCE: Spectrum News 1