Hospitalizations Climb Amid Renewed Wave of COVID-19
As of the week ending July 22, 2023, the United States recorded a 12% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, totaling more than 8,000 new admissions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest uptick signals a summer surge in coronavirus activity, fueled by a convergence of factors including waning immunity, reduced vaccine uptake, increased travel, and extreme heat keeping more people indoors in poorly ventilated spaces.
This rise in cases—while not on the scale of previous pandemic waves—has prompted public health officials to reassess surveillance strategies and urge the public to stay current with vaccinations and remain vigilant, particularly in settings with high transmission risk.
Omicron Subvariant XBB.1.5 Leads Current Wave
All current COVID-19 cases are linked to Omicron variants, with XBB.1.5 remaining the most prevalent subvariant in circulation. This strain, which emerged in late 2022, is known for its enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape, allowing it to infect even those who have had prior Omicron infections or vaccinations, albeit generally with less severe symptoms in most healthy individuals.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to authorize an updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation targeting XBB.1.5 before the end of July. This vaccine is anticipated to become available in early fall and is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering community protection ahead of the fall and winter respiratory virus season.
Contributing Factors to the Summer Increase
Public health experts cite several factors behind the current rise in hospitalizations:
- Waning immunity: Many Americans received their last booster dose more than six months ago, leading to reduced protection against infection and moderate illness.
- Low vaccine uptake: Uptake of the most recent booster, updated in fall 2022, has remained under 20% in most states.
- Summer travel and gatherings: Increased domestic and international travel, along with large indoor events and weddings, have provided ample opportunities for viral spread.
- Extreme heat: Prolonged heatwaves across the southern U.S. have driven people indoors into air-conditioned but poorly ventilated spaces, ideal for respiratory virus transmission.
While most new infections are mild or asymptomatic in vaccinated individuals, those who are older, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated remain at higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Public Health Response and Recommendations
In response to the increase in cases, the CDC and local health departments have reiterated guidance for preventive measures, including:
- Staying up to date on vaccinations, including the upcoming updated booster shot.
- Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, especially in areas with high transmission.
- Improving indoor air ventilation, such as opening windows or using HEPA filters.
- Testing before gatherings, especially around high-risk individuals.
- Staying home when sick and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Hospitals and clinics in some regions, particularly in parts of the South and West, have reported modest increases in emergency visits, though officials say the situation remains manageable at this time.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Fall
With new vaccines on the horizon and increased genomic surveillance in place, health officials are closely watching the virus’s evolution to anticipate future variant-driven waves. The upcoming updated booster—expected to target the XBB lineage—is part of a long-term plan to treat COVID-19 similarly to influenza, with seasonal vaccination campaigns that address the most current strains.
Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, commented that “we are in a much better place thanks to prior immunity and medical advances, but we cannot afford to be complacent. COVID is still a public health challenge that requires attention and proactive measures.”
Source:
Wired – COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise Amid Summer Surge
