COVID-19 cases on the rise; new variant behind surge

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Just as students are returning to the classrooms, COVID-19 cases are rising across Ohio and the country.

Omicron family sub-variant K.P. 3.1.1 is being labeled as the predominant variant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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In Ohio, there have been more than 13,000 new cases this month, with more than 300 patients requiring hospitalization.

With large-scale events like football games and students back in school, experts are offering reminders to help stop the spread.

“COVID in general is just so, so transmissible,” University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Amy Edwards, MD said. “It’s one of the most contagious viruses that we know right now in the human population.”

Edwards understands that there are many people who are burned out on the topic of COVID-19 after the pandemic, but it is still a threat to many, especially those with other conditions.

“I think people have just gotten so tired of talking about COVID that they don’t want to hear those same recommendations for COVID anymore,” Edwards said. “They’re like, ‘No, the pandemic is over. I don’t want to do it.’ You know what? COVID kills people. COVID makes people sick. COVID causes people to miss work. COVID causes kids to miss school.”

Edwards said the best line of defense against respiratory illness is taking preventative measures.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick,” she explained. “Checking in with your doctor, getting tested or treatment as needed. Wearing masks if you can’t stay home.”

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A new version of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to become available in September, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Edwards knows many people are reluctant, but she strongly backs vaccines as the best way to stay healthy.

“The science is solid,” Edwards said. “For the COVID vaccine, for the RSV vaccine, for the flu vaccine, the science is solid. These vaccines provide protection. They keep people from dying. They keep people out of the hospital.”

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