FORT LAUDERDALE — The newer variant of COVID may be more contagious than others, but doctors say it’s less severe.
XBB. 1. 5 is spreading across South Florida, but doctors say there’s nothing to worry about.
“It probably will. We will continue to see peaks. I don’t know if I’ve noticed the peak of Christmas and New Year’s Day,” said Jackson Memorial Medical Director Dr. Hany.
The cause of the increase is due to a multitude of things like vacations, tourists, activities and other people who do not wear as many masks.
However, doctors say we have come a way.
They say the COVID spikes we’re seeing right now are significantly lower than those seen in the last 3 years.
At Jackson Health System, for example, there are the numbers:
July 27, 2020 – 485 (first wave of COVID)
August 23, 2021 – 445 (Delta)
January 12, 2022 – 564 (Omicron)
13 January 2024 – 88
More than a fraction of the 88 patients hospitalized lately have to be hospitalized for other reasons.
At Memorial Healthcare System, at this time last year, they had more than 640 patients, there are only 136.
In Broward, they report fewer hospitalizations than previous wave spikes.
“We think everything is fine right now, but let’s see what happens. We are in a position to get more if needed,” said Tim Forwell.
He and his wife have been vaccinated and boosted several times, that’s how they feel about emerging cases.
Doctors say the vaccine works and inspires other people to get the latest booster because it covers most COVID variants.
They also say masks are the most productive cover if you’re surrounded by giant crowds or feeling in poor health.