Test positivity, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths are increasing as expert warns: ‘It’s still dangerous’

Summary

Covid cases are surging across the U.S. post-holidays, with rising test positivity, hospitalizations, and deaths, while booster uptake remains low.

Only 21.4% of adults and 10.3% of children have received the latest booster, leaving vulnerable groups, including the elderly, at higher risk.

Experts warn of continued dangers from Covid, including long Covid and economic impacts, as the virus has not yet reached an endemic state.

With uncertain federal priorities, researchers stress the importance of monitoring infections, updating vaccines, and using preventive measures to mitigate future waves.

  • maccentric@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    121·
    5 months ago

    Genuine question (not an anti vaxxer): If the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus (my understanding is that it makes the symptoms less severe but doesn’t prevent the infection), how does it help keep it from spreading?

    • ryathal@sh.itjust.works
      1·
      5 months ago

      Even if they were, getting a significant amount of people to get them every 6-12 months isn’t likely to happen. Even the flu vaccine is only around 50% after decades of campaigns for getting it regularly.

  • Lenny@lemmy.world
    115·
    5 months ago

    I got a booster in September as I was planning a trip to India, but I will say that thing knocked me on my fucking ass so much. As much as I believe in vaccination, it’s gonna be a hard sell to my brain to go back next year and get it again.

    • bitchkat@lemmy.worldEnglish
      5·
      5 months ago

      I just got my booster last week and this was the first one where I didnt need the next day in bed. I’ve never had the 'Rona (that I know of).

  • spyd3r@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    733·
    5 months ago

    How is it not endemic yet? Oh wait the pharma companies aren’t done making money off it yet.

        • AbidanYre@lemmy.worldEnglish
          151·
          5 months ago

          I’ve never had a flu shot,

          Good for you?

          can’t imagine ever needing one,

          Sounds like you don’t understand what they are or how they work

          the effectiveness is super low too.

          That’s wrong.

        • JaggedRobotPubes@lemmy.worldEnglish
          81·
          5 months ago

          You’re fucking up the health of the people around you, not just risking your own. You need your flu shots. If you seriously look into them, you will walk away thinking that they’re a fantastic thing, and you’ll get them.