The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that causes symptoms that plague the nose and throat. Typically, most colds are harmless and you may only develop a few mild symptoms. Colds, more than anything, are very annoying and you just want to feel better to leave the sickness behind you. 

Common symptoms of a cold include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild headache, sneezing, coughing, or low-grade fever. These symptoms usually last for about one week, but they can last longer in older adults, young children, or people with weakened immune systems. It is very common for adults to get two to three colds yearly, while children get them more frequently. 

It is very easy for a cold to spread. An infected person can sneeze or cough in your vicinity and you inhale microscopic droplets that contain the bacteria or virus. You can also touch a contaminated surface before touching your face and develop a cold that way. Given that there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold, catching one is relatively easy. The rhinovirus is the most common, but  enteroviruses, human parainfluenza (HPIV), adenovirus, and coronavirus (the common cold version) can all cause common cold. Continue reading to learn more about the types of common colds. 

Enterovirus

Enteroviruses belong to a group of over 300 viruses, including echoviruses, polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and rhinoviruses. These viruses can cause a range of illnesses, but the rhinovirus is the most common cold-causing virus. Other enteroviruses, including enterovirus D68 and coxsackievirus, can cause respiratory symptoms. There are non-respiratory enterovirus illnesses that can cause conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, or aseptic meningitis. Common symptoms of enterovirus include cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, or pneumonia. 

Rhinovirus

Rhinoviruses account for about 50% of common cold cases. Although they can spread throughout the year, rhinoviruses are most active in the spring and early fall. They spread easily in crowded places, such as offices, schools, and public transportation. Symptoms, which can include cough, mild sore throat, sneezing, mild fever, or runny nose, tend to go away in seven to 10 days. Rhinoviruses can also cause other problems, such as ear infections, breathing issues, or sinus infections, especially in people with allergies or asthma. 

Adenovirus

Adenovirus can cause cold symptoms that last for longer than symptoms that result from the rhinovirus. In fact, some people can experience these symptoms for weeks, or months. This virus is more common in the early spring and winter, although it can occur year round. Common colds caused by the adenovirus can spread easily in hospitals, schools, daycares, and military barracks. Symptoms can include cough, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. That said, adenovirus is also known to cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and bladder infections or diarrhea. 

Coronavirus (Common Cold Version)

Before anyone even knew about COVID-19, coronaviruses were a typical cause of common colds. In fact, coronaviruses account for nearly 15% of seasonal colds, usually peaking in the winter. Coronavirus colds are usually mild and tend to last for one week, but they can lead to more serious issues, including pneumonia, for people with weaker immune systems. The common cold coronavirus is different from the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 virus, however, you can test for your own safety and the safety of others. Common symptoms of coronavirus colds include sneezing, runny nose, stomach problems (not too common), mild cough, and occasional low-grade fever.

Human Parainfluenza Virus

Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) can cause infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. That can affect airways in children under five years old, immunocompromised adults, and elderly people. There are four types of HPIV, with types one and two being the most common in fall. Type three occurs annually and is most common in spring and early summer, while type four tends to affect people year round. Symptoms of HPIV include fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough, or chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Determining which virus is behind your cold can be a little tricky, but certain patterns can clue you in to some degree. A barking cough usually indicates croup from HPIV, while a cold with pink eye comes from adenovirus. Your healthcare provider may want to run tests to detect the virus, depending on the severity of symptoms. 

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Fall and winter, besides being associated with the holidays, are considered cold and flu season. At the moment, though, the United States (U.S.) is in the middle of another COVID-19 summer surge. Surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that high levels of the virus have been detected across most of the country. With the exception of 19 states, COVID-19 cases are very high, especially in the western part so the U.S.

Although it is inconvenient, it is very normal for COVID cases to spike during the summer. In fact, it has happened every summer since COVID-19 arrived on the scene. Why do cases increase, though? Below, we will explain why it tends to happen during the summer months and how you can protect yourself from the virus.

What Is A Summer Surge?

A COVID summer surge is defined by an unexpected increase in the number of COVID cases during the summer months, according to infectious disease specialists. Other than allergies, mild infectious illnesses like the cold and flu are common during fall and winter. That said, viruses can surge any time of the year. A COVID surge in the summer is common because people travel more and gather in large groups indoors and outdoors. 

The virus continues to evolve and stays ahead of the immune system. The immune system recognizes the infection of past variants as new ones appear, which can lead to an increase in new infections. And over the years, health experts have observed a big surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of summer. 

What Is Causing The Current Surge?

There isn’t just one cause that health experts can blame for the increase in COVID cases. The first of many causes is that people do not have immunity to the new variants. Immunity to prior COVID infection is short-lived. In fact, immunity can wane after just three months. That means that you need a new strategy if you plan to rely on your immunity to protect against COVID-19 infection. Perhaps that looks like getting a COVID booster vaccine, which is given out similarly to the flu vaccine nowadays. 

The COVID-19 FLiRT variants are largely driving this summer surge, though. These variants are more adept at evading the immune system. The weather may also factor into the equation. Some health experts explain that the emerging variants potentially thrive more in the heat than they do in the cold. That could cause an increase in COVID cases in the summer, as opposed to late fall and early winter. Additionally, the extreme heat, which is present across the country, drives people to gather indoors. 

Is it possible that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will cause an uptick in COVID-19 cases? It’s always possible because large gatherings, be they indoor or outdoor, are the perfect environment for the virus to spread easily. That is true for people having guests over to their houses to watch the Olympics, or for attendees watching the games in person. In fact, there is already evidence of some olympic athletes testing positive since the start of the Summer Games. 

Will The COVID Surge Continue?

Health experts anticipate that the surge will continue as summer comes to a close. As long as people gather indoors and travel, transmission remains a worry. That said, infectious disease specialists are hopeful that another surge will not hit until late fall, or even early winter when people travel to see family for the holidays. If people take precautions, though, there is a chance that another spike in cases will not occur. It’s also possible that another surge will not be as big as the summer surge. 

How Do You Protect Yourself During Surges?

In order to prepare for a surge and reduce your risk of infection during summer, health experts encourage the following:

• Test regularly for COVID-19, especially if you live with high-risk individuals
• Open your windows if you have a large gathering
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you have a loved one who is immunocompromised 
• Use a HEPA air filtration system to reduce the risk of transmission
• Stay up-to-date on boosters and vaccinations

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On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Juneteenth, as it was and is still called, has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s. In 2021, President Biden signed legislation to make Juneteenth, which falls on June 19th, a federal holiday. Even before passing this bill, there was an observable increase in Juneteenth celebrations across the United States. 

How Did Juneteenth Begin?

The federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in June of 1865, a full two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia. The arrival of General Gordon Granger and his 2,000 troops was to inform the nearly 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued nearly two and half years earlier on January 1, 1863. The holiday, Juneteenth, is also called Juneteenth Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Emancipation Day. 

The post-emancipation period, or Reconstruction (1865-1867) marked an era of new hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation. Formerly enslaved people sought to reunite with families, establish schools, push laws into legislation, run for political office, and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Juneteenth, then, acts as a second day of independence in the United States. 

How Is Juneteenth Celebrated?

Despite the fact that it has been a long celebrated tradition in the African American community, Juneteenth is a monumental event that remains largely unknown to most Americans. The historical legacy of the day represents the value of never giving up hope in times of uncertainty. While many people may get the day off work for this federal holiday, early celebrations involved small family gatherings and prayer. As the years went by, later celebrations involved pilgrimages to Galveston to former enslaved people and their families. 

In 1872, a group of African American businessmen and ministers in Houston, Texas purchased 10 acres of land to create Emancipation Park. The park held the city’s annual Juneteenth celebrations for years. Today, celebrations often take place among families and food is typically a focal point. Some cities, including Washington D.C. and Atlanta, hold larger events that include festivals and parades with local businesses and residents. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many Juneteenth celebrations were on hold for 2020 and 2021. That’s why celebrations ramped up in 2022 and future plans for the holiday are only growing. Galveston continues to remain a busy site for Juneteenth events, and artists dedicated a 5,000-square-foot mural in 2021. This year, in 2023, Galveston will celebrate the holiday with a scholarship ball, a banquet, and a festival. Organizers in Atlanta will hold a parade and music festival, while other cities, including Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Tulsa, And Philadelphia, will hold similar events. 

The Path To A Federal Holiday

Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980. All 50 states and the District of Colombia now recognize the holiday in some way, shape, or form. In the wake of the nationwide protests against police brutality in 2020, the push for federal recognition of Juneteenth gained new momentum. Congress rushed the bill through legislation in the summer of 2021. 

In fact, the House passed the measure by a vote of 415 to 14. The opposing votes came from members of the Republican party. Some of the opposers even argued that calling the new holiday Juneteenth Independence Day, echoing July 4, would create confusion among the American public and force them to choose a celebration of freedom based on race. 

The law went into effect on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth the 11th federally-recognized holiday. The first federal Juneteenth holiday was observed the very next day after President Biden signed the bill into law. Juneteenth was observed on June 18, as June 19 fell on a Saturday.

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It can be difficult to stay current with the coronavirus, especially with the highly mutated and fast-moving omicron variant. In the latest COVID-19 news, a new omicron subvariant, XBB.1.5, has become the predominant strain responsible for more than 50% of COVID-19 infections in the United States. In the week of December 24th, 2022, XBB accounted for 18.3% of the COVID-19 cases in the United States. That number increased from 11.2% in the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

By the very end of 2022, XBB accounted for over 40.5% of cases in the country. In the northeastern United States, three out of four cases are currently XBB.1.5. The interesting thing is that XBB subvariants were barely on the radar three to four months ago. At that time, the CDC stated that omicron subvariant BA.5 made up 80% of infections. After that, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 took over. Now, BA.5 only accounts for 3.7% of cases. It’s a wildly unpredictable landscape, with XBB.1.5 multiplying at record speed. 

XBB.1.5 Appears To Be More Contagious Than Other Subvariants

XBB.1.5 is very, very contagious, according to the CDC. Infectious disease experts say that it is outcompeting other variants. This subvariant has already driven outbreaks in parts of Asia, including Singapore. The increased numbers in the northeastern United States, as we previously mentioned, may be an indicator of what will come in the rest of the country. As of December 30th, 2022, the New York Times COVID Tracker noted that New York and New Jersey saw some of the country’s highest per-capita case rates. 

Do Rising Hospitalizations In New York Foreshadow An Increase In COVID-19 Cases Across The U.S.?

Recent New York health figures suggest a steady rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. A few southern states, including South Carolina and Kentucky, also experienced worsening conditions. Experts don’t know if XBB.1.5 is specifically driving hospitalizations, but the data doesn’t look favorable. It is a contributing factor at the very least, but more information is needed. 

When a new variant moves to a different geographic area, the risk of a mini outbreak in that area is high. That said, experts do not see the XBB subvariant driving the same massive surges as the original omicron variant did at the end of 2021. That’s great news!

Do Current COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against XBB.1.5?

As stated when the original vaccine rolled out, they won’t keep you 100% protected from COVID-19 infection. As of now, experts believe that current vaccines will offer substantial protection against a mild or moderate infection developing into severe illness. Infectious disease experts say, from a vaccine point of view, that vaccinated individuals are still okay in that sense. XBB.1.5 is not yet a variant of concern, but it is of great interest because of the way it’s spreading. Current CDC data shows that only 15% of Americans are up to date on the most recent COVID-19 booster shot. 

Vaccination is obviously optional and you need to do what’s right for you. Don’t simply rely on vaccinations, though. Do your part to stay healthy by eating the right foods and getting a sufficient amount of weekly exercise. Various modalities can also help improve immune function and respiratory health, so explore those options in your efforts to stay safe and healthy.

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For more than two years, the world has seen the evolution of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19. From people on ventilators to asymptomatic carriers, COVID-19 affects everyone differently. We’ve also seen breakthrough cases among vaccinated individuals and reinfection among the unvaccinated and vaccinated. It continues to be an evolving situation, as do the top symptoms. 

The UK-based Zoe Health Study (formerly the COVID Symptom Study) recently identified the most common COVID-19 symptoms among current infections. This study based the findings on the information from more than four million people who used a special app to report signs of infection. The recent analysis found that infections from omicron sub-variants result in symptoms that mimic those of the common cold or flu. Symptoms may vary depending on vaccination status, underlying health conditions, and overall health. 

Coronavirus symptoms from earlier variants now rank lower on the list of the most common symptoms. Loss of smell (or other sensory changes from COVID-19), shortness of breath, and fever are less common among newer infections. And although vaccinated individuals can still contract COVID-19, the study found that the symptoms were much more mild among them, or that they experienced very few symptoms. Additionally, vaccinated individuals got better more quickly. 

Top COVID-19 Symptoms Among Those Who’ve Received Two Vaccine Doses

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Persistent cough
• Headache

Researchers in the Zoe study found that vaccinated people who tested positive for COVID-19 reported sneezing. If you are vaccinated and start sneezing a lot without explanation, consider getting a COVID test as you may be infected. This will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to those around you, some of whom may be in worse health than others. 

Top COVID-19 Symptoms Among Those Who’ve Had One Vaccine Dose

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Persistent cough

Zoe study editors observed that persistent cough was one of the original symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Among the most recent data, though, it ranks lower than sneezing and runny nose, two symptoms that were originally thought to be unrelated to COVID-19 infection.

Top COVID-19 Symptoms Among The Unvaccinated

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Persistent cough

According to the Zoe study, loss of smell is still in the top 10 symptoms for unvaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19. It ranks at number nine, but shortness of breath (an original symptom) now ranks at number 30. 

Why Have The Top Symptoms Changed?

The data from the Zoe study is consistent with what many clinicians have observed in COVID-19 patients over the past few months. Why the shift in symptoms is not entirely clear, though. Infectious disease specialists think that the change in top symptoms is multifactorial. The virus has evolved over time in order to maximize transmission and higher levels of immunity in the population (attributed to vaccination and prior infection). 

Cough, Cold, Or Flu? It May Be COVID-19

We covered that symptoms of recent omicron infections tend to mimic those of the common cold or flu. Because of that, people who experience those symptoms may not think that they have COVID, especially since they weren’t common symptoms earlier in the pandemic. If you do experience those symptoms, especially if they are respiratory symptoms, it is wise to test to confirm infection. COVID-19 is still a relevant illness, despite the fact that nearly all restrictions have been lifted. Take care of your health, get a new bivalent COVID-19 booster this fall if you want to, and be safe during the upcoming holiday season. 

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Medical misinformation is far from new. In fact, it became so rampant and harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic that the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy had to issue an advisory about it in 2021. Not only does health misinformation threaten public health, but it can also cause mistrust, confusion, and can undermine public health efforts. 

Now, there are many countries around the world dealing with monkeypox. In the United States, monkeypox was recently declared a health emergency, which you can learn more about by clicking here. Because it is a relatively new outbreak and the disease is unfamiliar, monkeypox naturally has conspiracies and misinformation around it. Rumors will kick into high gear and people may or may not believe the information that comes out. As a result, people won’t have the information they need to stay safe. 

Infectious disease experts got together to put an end to the misinformation about monkeypox. Below, you will find myths about the disease that health experts debunked. 

Myth: Monkeypox Is A New Strain Of COVID-19

No, monkeypox is not a new strain of COVID-19. In fact, monkeypox belongs to the smallpox family of viruses, meaning there is no connection to monkeypox and the coronavirus. There is a different transmission and life cycle, so you don’t contract it the same way you contract COVID-19. Monkeypox is not an airborne virus and even though cases are on the rise, it isn’t showing the fatalities that resulted from COVID-19 infection. That said, the signs and symptoms of the virus can be unpleasant and severe. 

Myth: Monkeypox Is A New Disease

This may be the first time in history that people in the United States are learning about monkeypox. In reality, monkeypox has been around for more than six decades. Scientists first learned of the virus in 1958, when two pox-like outbreaks occurred in colonies of research monkeys. It was Dr. Mark Fischer, the regional medical director at International SOS, who said it was first seen in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Until this year, however, most monkeypox cases were limited to a few African countries, where the virus is endemic. 

Myth: You Can Get Monkeypox From A Swimming Pool

Scientists continue to research monkeypox and how it spreads. As of now, it doesn’t seem to be a waterborne virus; rather, it primarily spreads via skin-to-skin contact. It can spread when people touch unwashed linens and clothing previously used/worn by someone with monkeypox. Keeping that in mind, take precautions at the swimming pool. Be aware of what you touch, including towels, clothing, and other objects outside of the pool. The pool itself will probably not give you monkeypox, but coming in contact with an infected person in the pool or around the pool may cause infection.

Myth: Monkeypox Only Affects Gay And Bisexual Men

The current outbreak has symptoms that differ from previously monkeypox outbreaks. Some of these symptoms include genital lesions, anal pain, penile swelling, and rectal bleeding. That said, the symptoms are not limited to these sexual orientations. Some social media users have attempted to claim monkeypox as a “gay sickness,” but this is simply untrue. Anybody can contract monkeypox via close contact. Men who have sex with men without using protection during intercourse do have a higher risk of infection, though. 

Myth: There Is No Treatment For Monkeypox

In most cases, the monkeypox virus is self-limiting, meaning most of the infection resolves itself in about two to four weeks. If diagnosed in the right time frame, there are many treatment strategies to fight against monkeypox. For symptomatic care, experts advise people to hydrate, increase electrolyte intake, and take antipyretics. Antivirals, NSAIDs, paracetamol, and nutritional support are all used to treat fever and pain that can come with infection. Additionally, there are two vaccines available to protect against the monkeypox virus, even though both are not monkeypox specific. They are, however, at least 85% effective against monkeypox. 

Myth: Monkeypox Was Created In A Lab

There are people who love a good conspiracy theory, but this is a big myth. Monkeypox originated in a colony of monkeys studied for research in the late 1950s. Sporadic outbreaks occurred over the years, primarily in the tropical rain forests of Central and West Africa. Currently, it remains unknown if the virus originated in monkeys or if they contracted it from another species. Because several species can carry it, monkeys may not have transmitted the virus to humans.

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President Biden’s health secretary, Xavier Becerra, recently declared the monkeypox outbreak a national health emergency. This is a rare designation, suggesting that the virus represents a significant risk to Americans. This declaration comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency in July 2022. It also marks the fifth national emergency since 2001. 

According to a press briefing, Becerra said, “We’re prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus, and we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously and to take responsibility to help us tackle this virus.” 

What Does The Data Suggest?

Globally, there are more than 26,000 cases of monkeypox in 87 countries. According to current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the United States leads the world in monkeypox infections, with 6,616 across the country. New York, Georgia, and Washington have the highest rates of monkeypox per capita. The disease has the potential to cause serious illness and five deaths were recorded. 

The WHO’s assessment of monkeypox is moderate on a global scale in all regions. In European countries, however, the risk is very high, but the risk of monkeypox disrupting international travel is low as of now. That said, health experts stated that this virus has the potential to cause serious illness. A coordinated international response is necessary in order to stop transmission and protect the most vulnerable groups. 

Similar to the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, tests are difficult to obtain. Surveillance has also been spotty, meaning that obtaining an accurate amount of cases is difficult. The U.S. Administration has also received a lot of negative attention for not properly educating people in the LGBTQI+ community before pride celebrations in June 2022. According to health officials, people in the LGBTQI+ community seem to be the most at risk for monkeypox infection. LGBTQI+ makes up about 5% of the world’s population, yet they have 25% of the world’s monkeypox cases. 

Is There A Plan Of Action?

President Biden recently named Robert Fenton, an administrator with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as the White House’s national monkeypox response coordinator. Fenton highlighted how the government already scaled up testing services to handle 80,000 tests per week. That number is a massive increase from the 6,000 tests per week that it previously handled. 

The actual number of people being tested is currently at 10% of the capacity. This is why the CDC encourages anyone with a suspected rash that may be monkeypox to get a test. You should be able to schedule a test via your healthcare provider. Quest Diagnostics, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Sonic Healthcare, and Labcorp are among some of the labs testing for monkeypox. The emergency declaration will allow the government the opportunity to find new strategies to get vaccines or treatments more quickly. This effort will greatly benefit impacted communities, or those most at risk. 

Who Is Most At Risk?

Going off the most recent data, it seems that the median age for those who become infected is 36. People who contract monkeypox, however, range from ages 18 to 76. The vast majority of cases has been among people who identify as men who have sex with men. Both gay and bisexual men who have had sex with multiple partners have a higher risk of contracting monkeypox. The CDC advises people who identify with these groups to be on the lookout for rashes or lesions that seem unusual. These rashes can occur anywhere on the body, especially the genitalia. 

With this information in mind, the WHO has stressed that the general public is unlikely to get monkeypox. On August 1st, 2022, however, at least four children contracted the illness in the United States. Children are most likely to get the virus if they come in contact with someone who has it or is at risk. These things can be prevented if all countries with confirmed cases of monkeypox work together to fight the disease. A united effort is the only way to control the outbreak and prevent further spread.

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Americans are out and about this summer, with many taking their very first vacations since the beginning of the pandemic. For most places around the country, Los Angeles County included, there are few signs of COVID-19 precautions. Some people continue to wear face coverings indoors, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, LA County continues to experience daily COVID-19 positivity numbers of about 3,700-6,500, depending on the day. 

From June 13, 2022 to June 19, 2022, unvaccinated people were 5.3 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than people who received a booster dose. The new increase in cases and hospitalizations have been fueled by the omicron BA.5 sub-variant, which is very contagious. The BA.5 sub-variant is the fastest-spreading form of omicron so far. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is responsible for more than 50% of all new COVID-19 cases in the country. Additionally, researchers say that this sub-variant is three to four times more resistant to antibiotics. 

When Could Indoor Masking Happen?

The decision to reinstate the indoor mask mandate will depend on future daily case rates and hospitalization rates. If the number of case and hospitalization rates remains high enough for two weeks, LA County may require indoor masking by July 29, 2022. Fortunately, LA County is not in that high COVID-19 community ever yet. This category indicates that an area is experiencing high COVID-19 spreading, with the transmission straining hospitals. 

The CDC updates community assessments every Thursday. If LA County enters a high COVID-19 community level on July 14th, for example, it has to remain in that tier until July 28th, 2022, for authorities to issue an indoor masking order. This information comes from Barbara Ferrer, LA County’s Public Health Director. She did say, however, that there is no guarantee that the masking order will take effect. 

How Close Is Los Angeles To The Indoor Mask Policy?

There has to be 10 new weekly coronavirus-positive hospitalizations for every 100,000 residents for health officials to reinstate the indoor masking order. As of July 7, 2022, that number was 9.7, a 17% increase from the previous week’s rate of 8.3. From the county’s perspective, though, the actual figure is about 8.4, because that combined federal data from LA and Orange counties. LA County and Orange County numbers have been relatively similar, but Orange County’s new weekly coronavirus-positive hospitalizations for every 100,000 residents was 13.3 as of July 6th, 2022. 

Why Is LA Considering A Mask Mandate Again?

LA County health officials say that the order would align with guidance from the CDC. According to the CDC, indoor masking should be enforced in counties that have high COVID-19 community level. Roughly 60% of California’s counties remain in that category, including the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay areas. About 16 million Californians currently live in a county with a high COVID-19 community level. That number accounts for about 41% of the state’s population. 

In Southern California, Ventura County remains the only county with a high community level. Despite the high community levels in other counties in California, LA County seems to be the only county that has responded to the CDC framework. It will reinstate an indoor mask mandate if the numbers continue to climb. 

Even though health officials recommend wearing a mask indoors as a preventative measure, some officials don’t think it is necessary at this time. The reason for this logic is because epidemiological changes in the virus have taken place. Plus, treatments and vaccines are readily available. Ultimately, health officials want to do their best to avoid the effects of another pandemic wave in LA County. Wear a mask indoors if you can to help reduce the spread of the new contagious BA.5 sub-variant and the mask mandate may not go into effect.

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a second COVID-19 booster shot for both Moderna and Pfizer. The aim of the second booster shot is to protect Americans who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. People 50 years of age and older who are at least four months out from their last dose can receive the new booster. But the fact remains that people are less interested in getting the shot now that mask mandates are ending and the world is opening back up. 

COVID-19 cases are down in the United States, with numbers dropping to the lowest point since July 2021. The BA.2 subvariant of omicron is the current dominant strain in America and is sweeping across Europe, but what’s the right choice moving forward in regards to vaccines? The scientific evidence surrounding a fourth dose is incomplete. Researchers cannot conclude if people need the shots, with some scientists saying that they are dubious about the decision to get a second one. 

Although the FDA authorized people over the age of 50 to receive a second booster, experts point out the lack of research surrounding it. What the research does show, however, is that people in poor health, those 65 and older, or people with underlying health conditions may benefit from another booster. The reasoning behind this is because they are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19 and suffering from more severe symptoms without vaccine protection.

Do You Need Another Booster Shot?

This is a question that you have to answer yourself, as only you can decide what is right for you. Health experts do say that your overall health status factors in to this decision. If you are aged 50 or older and in good health with no underlying conditions, you may want to wait a bit. Infectious diseases specialists say that it’s perfectly reasonable for people under 60 to wait, noting that current vaccines and boosters still offer protection against death and severe disease. 

According to several research studies, many people have sufficient protection from severe illness. Even if someone contracts the omicron variant, which can slip through immune defenses, two or three doses of Moderna or Pfizers’s vaccine proved powerful enough protection. An Israeli study found that adults older than 60 who got a fourth dose were 78% less likely to die from COVID-19 than those who received three shots. That study has flaws, though, given that the participants volunteered to get a fourth shot. 

People who are naturally careful about their health may be more cautious about the coronavirus. They are more likely to exercise, eat healthy, wear a mask, and less likely to smoke cigarettes. These factors may make a second booster look more effective than it is. Other data from that study suggests that a second booster had marginal benefits in healthy young people. 

Is A Second Booster Shot Dangerous?

Health officials continue to say that vaccines are incredibly safe. There is no danger surrounding an additional shot. It’s possible to experience brief bouts of fatigue, site pain, and fever, as is consistent with the other shots. The only reason it would be dangerous is if you are allergic to something within the vaccine. 

Should You Time A Booster With Travel? 

This is a strategy that many people want to employ, but it does carry some risk. The omicron variant spread like wildfire when it hit during late November 2021, quickly overwhelming hospitals and healthcare workers. The BA.2 variant is more contagious, but it doesn’t necessarily cause severe symptoms like previous variants. 

Vaccine protections don’t last forever and they do take some time to kick in. According to research, the protection against hospitalization for people two months after they got their first booster was 91%. That protection dropped to 78% four months after getting the first booster. If you plan to travel in late summer, the second booster may not be effective if you get it now. 

Lastly, if you contracted COVID-19 during the omicron wave, you don’t have to rush to get another booster shot. Experts say that any infection within the past three months gives you a similar level of protection against reinfection as a booster will. 

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COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline, and states with mask mandates have started lifting regulations. Some states continue to require face masks in indoor settings, but they lifted outdoor mask mandates. Other states have not had mask regulations for quite some time, which may not fall under the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because individual state masking policies may go against the CDC’s recommendations, some people may not know what to do.

Recent data from the CDC shows that as of February 16th, 2022, daily new COVID-19 cases in the United States dropped 43% compared to the previous week. Infectious disease specialists confirmed the decrease in cases and remain optimistic about the situation. For this reason, the specialists understand the rationale behind the lifting of mask mandates. Even though states drop mask guidances, the CDC has not adjusted their own recommendations. The recommendation is still that anyone over two years old and not “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccines should continue to wear masks in indoor public places. 

Should You Still Wear A Mask If Your State Lifted Regulations?

This is a decision that only you, and you alone, can make. Some people may not have difficulty making the decision to discard the mask and leave it in the past. Others may grapple with the fear of removing the mask in a public setting, especially an indoor one. The risks and benefits are not merely yours; rather, they also belong to the people around you. For example, you may be perfectly fine, healthy, and vaccinated, and not wearing a mask may be a risk you can take. You have to think about others in your immediate circle, though.

If you regularly interact or live with someone who is immunocompromised, it may be a good idea to continue to wear a mask in public. Although the newer COVID-19 variants may not be as lethal to your health, they are still quite contagious. That means that you may be fine if you contract COVID-19, but the immunocompromised person you see may not be so lucky. Additionally, you may want to wear a mask if you regularly spend time with people who did not get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot. Data reports indicate that unvaccinated people have an extraordinary risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. 

Pay Attention To Infection Rates

Regardless of your state’s mask mandates, it may be wise to wear a mask in public if infection rates are high where you live. Although the CDC encouraged masking indoors during the omicron wave, the decision seemed to be very individual. The decision to wear a mask is personal, but if you want to be safe and worry-free, put the mask on and don’t worry about what people think. 

What Type Of Mask Should You Wear?

If you want to continue wearing masks in public areas, a well-fitting, high quality mask is your best bet. A bandana or thin cloth offers very little protection and many researchers found that they were subpar compared to masks with three or more cloth layers. KN95, N95, and KF94 masks offer the best protection around. When you buy them, make sure that they are not counterfeit, as some may only have two layers. If you don’t want to purchase an N95 mask, you can add a filter to cloth masks, or simply wear a surgical mask under your cloth mask for extra protection.

What If You Have The Sniffles?

COVID-19 is not the only virus floating around the general public. People are regularly exposed to flu variants and strains of the common cold, which can be very harmful to certain people. The flu, for example, kills over 30,000 Americans in a typical season, and most of the deaths are older adults or immunocompromised people. Flus and colds are likely transmitted the same was as COVID-19, so if you feel a little sick, you may be shedding the virus into the air. This causes you to infect other people, so if you feel sick wear a mask if you must go out, otherwise stay home. 

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