New COVID-19 variant leads summer surge in cases

Americans should take precautions as COVID-19 cases rise during the summer months.

Experts cited in a Forbes article said the COVID-19 FLiRT variants — a new group of omicron variants — may be responsible for the surge in cases since June. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 13% increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations in early June and a 23% increase in emergency room visits in late June.

Although public health officials believe COVID-19 vaccines may be effective against the FLiRT variants, the variants’ adaptations are related to locations on the spike protein where antibodies against the virus typically bind. As a result, more data may be needed to understand the efficacy of vaccination.

To minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, the article advises Americans to “maintain appropriate precautions such as making sure that indoor locations are well-ventilated and wearing a mask when [coming] into close sustained contact with others who may be infected.”

Read more: Forbes

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