![Medical protective face masks are used to protect patients in times of a pandemic disease](https://blackamericaweb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/17211377642063.jpg?w=724&strip=all&quality=80)
Source: photovs / Getty
Many Americans have unfortunately had to swap their summer getaways for hospital stays amid recent COVID-19 surges.
“FLiRT” is a nickname referring to an entire family of different variants (including KP.2, JN.1.7, and any other variants starting with KP or JN). Health official released data proving the increased spread of FLiRT since the start of 2024, and an exponential increase over the summer.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE.
Summer 2024
Emergency room visits due to Covid-19 from June 16 through June 22 increased 23.3% from the week prior, according to data posted on the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. Also, Covid-19-related hospitalizations during the week of June 9 through 15 were 13.3% higher than they were than the week before. Recall that it can take a week or two after someone gets infected to develop symptoms severe enough to require an emergency room visit or a hospitalization, as reported by Forbes.com
The CDC also reports the viral activity level for Covid-19 in wastewater is reported to be “high” nationally as of July 6.
STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!
Prevention
Here are a few ways to keep yourself and others protected from the virus, as recommended by Yale Medicine professionals.
- Opt to wear masks in public places
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with others
- Familiarize yourself with COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if you’re feeling sick
- Ventilate properly
In preparation for the rest of the summer and vast transition into back-to-school season, Ryan Cameron sits with Dr. Jayne to get her insight on various viruses and how to stay healthy.
Dr. Jayne Talks Viruses: COVID, RSV, and More
READ MORE STORIES ON BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM: