{"id":2574,"date":"2024-09-18T20:24:17","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T20:24:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/?page_id=2574"},"modified":"2024-09-18T20:35:45","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T20:35:45","slug":"the-next-wave-highly-infectious-new-covid-variant-reaches-peak-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/index.php\/2024\/09\/18\/the-next-wave-highly-infectious-new-covid-variant-reaches-peak-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2574\" class=\"elementor elementor-2574\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc11bc1 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bc11bc1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9b5d23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"c9b5d23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cc212c e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2cc212c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56ffb38 elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-heading\" data-id=\"56ffb38\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\" ><div class=\"ekit-heading elementskit-section-title-wraper text_center   ekit_heading_tablet-   ekit_heading_mobile-\"><h3 class=\"elementskit-section-subtitle  \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSeptemeber 2024\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3><h2 class=\"ekit-heading--title elementskit-section-title \">The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<div class='ekit-heading__description'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As summer fun continues, it's important to remember that staying safe from COVID-19 should still be a top priority! While the weather heats up, so do the number of COVID cases. You might wonder, what does the weather have to do with COVID? Well, whether it's hot or cold, people tend to spend more time indoors. Most rooms inside have less fresh air circulating. Any room with poor air circulation has greater risk of exposing you to the virus. Staying indoors might feel good, but it won\u2019t keep COVID out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-37ba8be e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"37ba8be\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cbd2b16 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"cbd2b16\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/coronavirus-young-man-stockpack-pixabay-qub04dzlyjdwqijckgbowes33s1jliadhjx44m7s3y.jpg\" title=\"coronavirus-young-man-stockpack-pixabay\" alt=\"coronavirus, young, man\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-09a1c41 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"09a1c41\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a572c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1a572c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Did You Know About the New Variant ?\u00a0<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you heard about the new COVID-19 variant that&#8217;s causing a lot of concern lately? It&#8217;s called the &#8220;FLiRT&#8221; variant which is a new version of the virus that consists of strains that are sub-variants of Omicron (a previous strain of COVID). One thing to know about COVID-19 is that it is constantly changing over time. These changes are called \u201cmutations\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FLiRT variant is the newest mutation that is responsible for the increase of COVID cases happening in the U.S. this summer. It spreads faster, is highly contagious, dangerous, and is causing some different symptoms. The CDC (Control Disease Center) monitors the amount of COVID virus in our community through the testing of wastewater samples (sewage).<\/span><\/p><figure id=\"attachment_2577\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2577\" style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2577\" src=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/mceu_63490020211715927165762.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2577\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Credit: Continental Hospitals<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><b>Why Has There Been A Peak ?\u00a0<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few reasons that may explain why there has been a peak in COVID-19 during the summer:\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traveling: Whether you&#8217;re driving in cars, waiting in airports, or dining inside restaurants, traveling often means spending time in enclosed spaces. Enclosed spaces can be unsafe when there is no fresh air moving around!<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social\/Family Gatherings: Summer is a time for barbecues, parties, and reunions, but gathering with others can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Large Public Outings: Concerts, sports events, fairs\u2014these big summer events bring lots of people together, making it easier for the virus to spread.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><b>Let\u2019s Be Mindful!\u00a0<\/b><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As COVID cases rise, it\u2019s important to stay aware and practice safe habits to protect everyone around us. Some people are at a higher risk, so it\u2019s our job to be careful. Who should we be mindful of?\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are immune-compromised\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our grandparents and elderly family members during gatherings and visits<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone we\u2019re standing close to in public<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By being mindful, we can help keep each other safe!\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><b>Here Are Some Key Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy:\u00a0<\/b><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N95 Masks: These offer strong protection, while KN95 Masks are a more affordable and stylish option.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><figure id=\"attachment_2579\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2579\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2579 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Assorted n95 mask\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/assorted-n95-mask-stockpack-pexels-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2579\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <span class=\"stockpack-author\">CDC<\/span> on <a class=\"stockpack-provider\" href=\"https:\/\/pexels.com\/photo\/3992946?utm_source=Stockpack&amp;utm_medium=referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social Distancing: Keep a safe distance from others whenever possible.<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs.<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2582\" src=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-washing.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"1127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-washing.jpg 800w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-washing-160x300.jpg 160w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-washing-545x1024.jpg 545w, https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/hand-washing-768x1443.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccines: A new vaccine targeting the current COVID variants is expected around October. <\/span><ul><li>\u00a0<span>If you&#8217;re hesitant about an mRNA vaccine, there are other options available! You have choices. <\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>As we enjoy the summer sun and enter the new school year, let\u2019s not forget that COVID-19 is still with us. By following simple safety measures we can protect ourselves and those we care about, especially those who are most vulnerable. Remember, staying inside may not be the safest option due to enclosed spaces limiting healthy air circulation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9a8d57 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d9a8d57\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-963bdcc elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"963bdcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cc0cd2 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2cc0cd2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14ac42e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"14ac42e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Sources:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2024\/06\/14\/covid-on-the-rise-again-in-california-after-record-low-deaths this-spring\/\" data-wplink-url-error=\"true\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2024\/06\/14\/covid-on-the-rise-again-in-california-after-record-low-deaths this-spring\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/how-covid-spreads.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/how-covid-spreads.html<\/span> <\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CID\/DCDC\/Pages\/Immunization\/nCoV2019.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CID\/DCDC\/Pages\/Immunization\/nCoV2019.aspx<\/span> <\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#maps_positivity-week\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#maps_positivity-week<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/publichealth.wvu.edu\/news\/story\/?headline=a-mask-q-addressing-common-questions-aboutkn95-n 95-mask-and-more\" data-wplink-url-error=\"true\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/publichealth.wvu.edu\/news\/story\/?headline=a-mask-q-addressing-common-questions-aboutkn95-n<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">95-mask-and-more<\/span><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Septemeber 2024 The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels As summer fun continues, it&#8217;s important to remember that staying safe from COVID-19 should still be a top priority! While the weather heats up, so do the number of COVID cases. You might wonder, what does the weather have to do with COVID? Well, whether it&#8217;s hot or cold, people tend to spend more time indoors. Most rooms inside have less fresh air circulating. Any room with poor air circulation has greater risk of exposing you to the virus. Staying indoors might feel good, but it won\u2019t keep COVID out.\u00a0 Did You Know About the New Variant ?\u00a0 Have you heard about the new COVID-19 variant that&#8217;s causing a lot of concern lately? It&#8217;s called the &#8220;FLiRT&#8221; variant which is a new version of the virus that consists of strains that are sub-variants of Omicron (a previous strain of COVID). One thing to know about COVID-19 is that it is constantly changing over time. These changes are called \u201cmutations\u201d.\u00a0 The FLiRT variant is the newest mutation that is responsible for the increase of COVID cases happening in the U.S. this summer. It spreads faster, is highly contagious, dangerous, and is causing some different symptoms. The CDC (Control Disease Center) monitors the amount of COVID virus in our community through the testing of wastewater samples (sewage). \u00a0 Why Has There Been A Peak ?\u00a0 There are a few reasons that may explain why there has been a peak in COVID-19 during the summer:\u00a0 Traveling: Whether you&#8217;re driving in cars, waiting in airports, or dining inside restaurants, traveling often means spending time in enclosed spaces. Enclosed spaces can be unsafe when there is no fresh air moving around! Social\/Family Gatherings: Summer is a time for barbecues, parties, and reunions, but gathering with others can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.\u00a0 Large Public Outings: Concerts, sports events, fairs\u2014these big summer events bring lots of people together, making it easier for the virus to spread.\u00a0 \u00a0 Let\u2019s Be Mindful!\u00a0 As COVID cases rise, it\u2019s important to stay aware and practice safe habits to protect everyone around us. Some people are at a higher risk, so it\u2019s our job to be careful. Who should we be mindful of?\u00a0 People who are immune-compromised\u00a0 Our grandparents and elderly family members during gatherings and visits Anyone we\u2019re standing close to in public \u00a0 By being mindful, we can help keep each other safe!\u00a0 \u00a0 Here Are Some Key Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy:\u00a0 N95 Masks: These offer strong protection, while KN95 Masks are a more affordable and stylish option.\u00a0 Social Distancing: Keep a safe distance from others whenever possible. Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. Vaccines: A new vaccine targeting the current COVID variants is expected around October. \u00a0If you&#8217;re hesitant about an mRNA vaccine, there are other options available! You have choices. \u00a0 As we enjoy the summer sun and enter the new school year, let\u2019s not forget that COVID-19 is still with us. By following simple safety measures we can protect ourselves and those we care about, especially those who are most vulnerable. Remember, staying inside may not be the safest option due to enclosed spaces limiting healthy air circulation. Sources:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2024\/06\/14\/covid-on-the-rise-again-in-california-after-record-low-deaths this-spring\/\u00a0 https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/how-covid-spreads.html https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CID\/DCDC\/Pages\/Immunization\/nCoV2019.aspx https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#maps_positivity-week\u00a0 https:\/\/publichealth.wvu.edu\/news\/story\/?headline=a-mask-q-addressing-common-questions-aboutkn95-n 95-mask-and-more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels - CFMG Member Website<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Septemeber 2024 The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels As summer fun continues, it&#8217;s important to remember that staying safe from COVID-19 should still be a top priority! While the weather heats up, so do the number of COVID cases. You might wonder, what does the weather have to do with COVID? Well, whether it&#8217;s hot or cold, people tend to spend more time indoors. Most rooms inside have less fresh air circulating. Any room with poor air circulation has greater risk of exposing you to the virus. Staying indoors might feel good, but it won\u2019t keep COVID out.\u00a0 Did You Know About the New Variant ?\u00a0 Have you heard about the new COVID-19 variant that&#8217;s causing a lot of concern lately? It&#8217;s called the &#8220;FLiRT&#8221; variant which is a new version of the virus that consists of strains that are sub-variants of Omicron (a previous strain of COVID). One thing to know about COVID-19 is that it is constantly changing over time. These changes are called \u201cmutations\u201d.\u00a0 The FLiRT variant is the newest mutation that is responsible for the increase of COVID cases happening in the U.S. this summer. It spreads faster, is highly contagious, dangerous, and is causing some different symptoms. The CDC (Control Disease Center) monitors the amount of COVID virus in our community through the testing of wastewater samples (sewage). \u00a0 Why Has There Been A Peak ?\u00a0 There are a few reasons that may explain why there has been a peak in COVID-19 during the summer:\u00a0 Traveling: Whether you&#8217;re driving in cars, waiting in airports, or dining inside restaurants, traveling often means spending time in enclosed spaces. Enclosed spaces can be unsafe when there is no fresh air moving around! Social\/Family Gatherings: Summer is a time for barbecues, parties, and reunions, but gathering with others can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.\u00a0 Large Public Outings: Concerts, sports events, fairs\u2014these big summer events bring lots of people together, making it easier for the virus to spread.\u00a0 \u00a0 Let\u2019s Be Mindful!\u00a0 As COVID cases rise, it\u2019s important to stay aware and practice safe habits to protect everyone around us. Some people are at a higher risk, so it\u2019s our job to be careful. Who should we be mindful of?\u00a0 People who are immune-compromised\u00a0 Our grandparents and elderly family members during gatherings and visits Anyone we\u2019re standing close to in public \u00a0 By being mindful, we can help keep each other safe!\u00a0 \u00a0 Here Are Some Key Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy:\u00a0 N95 Masks: These offer strong protection, while KN95 Masks are a more affordable and stylish option.\u00a0 Social Distancing: Keep a safe distance from others whenever possible. Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. Vaccines: A new vaccine targeting the current COVID variants is expected around October. \u00a0If you&#8217;re hesitant about an mRNA vaccine, there are other options available! You have choices. \u00a0 As we enjoy the summer sun and enter the new school year, let\u2019s not forget that COVID-19 is still with us. By following simple safety measures we can protect ourselves and those we care about, especially those who are most vulnerable. Remember, staying inside may not be the safest option due to enclosed spaces limiting healthy air circulation. Sources:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.mercurynews.com\/2024\/06\/14\/covid-on-the-rise-again-in-california-after-record-low-deaths this-spring\/\u00a0 https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/how-covid-spreads.html https:\/\/www.cdph.ca.gov\/Programs\/CID\/DCDC\/Pages\/Immunization\/nCoV2019.aspx https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#maps_positivity-week\u00a0 https:\/\/publichealth.wvu.edu\/news\/story\/?headline=a-mask-q-addressing-common-questions-aboutkn95-n 95-mask-and-more\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/index.php\/covid19-infographics\/the-next-wave-highly-infectious-new-covid-variant-reaches-peak-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"CFMG Member Website\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-18T20:35:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/thumbs\/coronavirus-young-man-stockpack-pixabay-qub04dzlyjdwqijckgbowes33s1jliadhjx44m7s48.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\\\/index.php\\\/covid19-infographics\\\/the-next-wave-highly-infectious-new-covid-variant-reaches-peak-levels\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org\\\/index.php\\\/covid19-infographics\\\/the-next-wave-highly-infectious-new-covid-variant-reaches-peak-levels\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels - 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CFMG Member Website","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels","og_description":"Septemeber 2024 The Next Wave: Highly Infectious New COVID Variant Reaches Peak Levels As summer fun continues, it&#8217;s important to remember that staying safe from COVID-19 should still be a top priority! While the weather heats up, so do the number of COVID cases. You might wonder, what does the weather have to do with COVID? Well, whether it&#8217;s hot or cold, people tend to spend more time indoors. Most rooms inside have less fresh air circulating. Any room with poor air circulation has greater risk of exposing you to the virus. Staying indoors might feel good, but it won\u2019t keep COVID out.\u00a0 Did You Know About the New Variant ?\u00a0 Have you heard about the new COVID-19 variant that&#8217;s causing a lot of concern lately? It&#8217;s called the &#8220;FLiRT&#8221; variant which is a new version of the virus that consists of strains that are sub-variants of Omicron (a previous strain of COVID). One thing to know about COVID-19 is that it is constantly changing over time. These changes are called \u201cmutations\u201d.\u00a0 The FLiRT variant is the newest mutation that is responsible for the increase of COVID cases happening in the U.S. this summer. It spreads faster, is highly contagious, dangerous, and is causing some different symptoms. The CDC (Control Disease Center) monitors the amount of COVID virus in our community through the testing of wastewater samples (sewage). \u00a0 Why Has There Been A Peak ?\u00a0 There are a few reasons that may explain why there has been a peak in COVID-19 during the summer:\u00a0 Traveling: Whether you&#8217;re driving in cars, waiting in airports, or dining inside restaurants, traveling often means spending time in enclosed spaces. Enclosed spaces can be unsafe when there is no fresh air moving around! Social\/Family Gatherings: Summer is a time for barbecues, parties, and reunions, but gathering with others can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.\u00a0 Large Public Outings: Concerts, sports events, fairs\u2014these big summer events bring lots of people together, making it easier for the virus to spread.\u00a0 \u00a0 Let\u2019s Be Mindful!\u00a0 As COVID cases rise, it\u2019s important to stay aware and practice safe habits to protect everyone around us. Some people are at a higher risk, so it\u2019s our job to be careful. Who should we be mindful of?\u00a0 People who are immune-compromised\u00a0 Our grandparents and elderly family members during gatherings and visits Anyone we\u2019re standing close to in public \u00a0 By being mindful, we can help keep each other safe!\u00a0 \u00a0 Here Are Some Key Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy:\u00a0 N95 Masks: These offer strong protection, while KN95 Masks are a more affordable and stylish option.\u00a0 Social Distancing: Keep a safe distance from others whenever possible. Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. Vaccines: A new vaccine targeting the current COVID variants is expected around October. \u00a0If you&#8217;re hesitant about an mRNA vaccine, there are other options available! You have choices. \u00a0 As we enjoy the summer sun and enter the new school year, let\u2019s not forget that COVID-19 is still with us. By following simple safety measures we can protect ourselves and those we care about, especially those who are most vulnerable. Remember, staying inside may not be the safest option due to enclosed spaces limiting healthy air circulation. 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