LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) — A “summer surge” in COVID-19 cases is being seen across the country, and nearly every single state is seeing a surge in numbers, including Louisiana.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that some areas of the country (along the West Coast and parts of New England) are seeing a significant increase. But there are signs of a slight uptick, even in areas that are developing as aggressively.
Louisiana, according to CDC figures as of June 22, shows a 2% increase in positive tests in the Bayou State.
This isn’t much if you look at the numbers alone, but some fitness agencies are concerned. The good news is that hospitalizations and deaths remain low in Louisiana, but the “summer surge” (which experts say will remain mild) may still have had an effect on others with comorbidities.
This outbreak is being driven by new variants monitored through fitness agencies.
Like most viruses, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more and more diversification as spring gives way to summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke with a fitness expert to learn more about a set of variants, collectively known as “FLiRT. “
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a specialist in viral threats, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and it refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just a variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are some specific symptoms of FLiRT.
• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Stuffy or runny nose • Headache • Muscle aches • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • New loss of smell • “Brain fog” (feeling less awake and conscious) • Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting)
However, lately opinions are divided on whether this can simply lead to a “summer surge”.
“FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its website. “One of them, KP. 2, accounted for 28. 2% of COVID infections in the United States in the third week of May, making it the dominant variant of the coronavirus in the country; another, KP. 1. 1, accounted for 7. 1% of cases. “
This set of variants is related to the JN. 1 variant that will be extended at the end of 2023.
The JN. 1 variant reportedly had unique symptoms, giving the impression that among those who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Sleep disturbances: 10. 8% of those diagnosed reported sleep disturbances.
Increased anxiety: 10. 5% of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
However, one of the most productive tactics in the face of the disease?Being outside, outdoors. And since most people are on vacation or will travel there soon, the chances of a big increase remain slim.
Speaking of vacations, here are some regulations if you’re heading to a nearby beach.
Gallery Credit: TRACY WIRTZ
A “summer surge” of COVID-19 cases is being seen across the country, and nearly every single state is seeing an increase in numbers, including Louisiana.
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LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) — A “summer surge” in COVID-19 cases is being seen across the country, and nearly every single state is seeing a surge in numbers, including Louisiana.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that some areas of the country (along the West Coast and parts of New England) are seeing a significant increase. But there are signs of a slight uptick, even in areas that are developing as aggressively.
Louisiana, according to CDC figures as of June 22, shows a 2% increase in positive tests in the Bayou State.
This isn’t much if you look at the numbers alone, but some fitness agencies are concerned. The good news is that hospitalizations and deaths remain low in Louisiana, but the “summer surge” (which experts say will remain mild) may still have had an effect on others with comorbidities.
This outbreak is being driven by new variants monitored through fitness agencies.
Like most viruses, COVID-19 has continued to mutate, with more and more diversification as spring gives way to summer.
The Shreveport Times spoke with a fitness expert to learn more about a set of variants, collectively known as “FLiRT. “
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a specialist in viral threats, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and it refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just a variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
Dr. Krista Queen, director of the Center for Viral Genomics and Emerging Viral Threat Surveillance at LSU Health Shreveport, a specialist in viral threats, said, “FLiRT is an attractive call for this new variant and it refers to some other mutations that are providing and in fact, it’s not just a variant, it’s an organization of variants. “
According to Dr. Queen and the CDC, there are some specific symptoms of FLiRT.
• Fever or chills • Cough • Sore throat • Stuffy or runny nose • Headache • Muscle aches • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • New loss of smell • “Brain fog” (feeling less awake and conscious) • Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting)
However, lately opinions are divided on whether this can simply lead to a “summer surge”.
“FLiRT strains are subvariants of Omicron,” Yale Medicine wrote on its website. “One of them, KP. 2, accounted for 28. 2% of COVID infections in the United States in the third week of May, making it the dominant variant of the coronavirus in the country; another, KP. 1. 1, accounted for 7. 1% of cases. “
This set of variants is related to the JN. 1 variant that will be extended at the end of 2023.
The JN. 1 variant reportedly had unique symptoms, giving the impression that among those who tested positive for the strain in Louisiana and across the country.
Sleep disturbances: 10. 8% of those diagnosed reported sleep disturbances.
Increased anxiety: 10. 5% of those diagnosed reported more anxiety.
However, one of the most productive tactics in the face of the disease?Being outside, outdoors. And since most people are on vacation or will travel there soon, the chances of a big increase remain slim.
Speaking of vacations, here are some regulations if you’re heading to a nearby beach.