Increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations persist for a third straight week. Among the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a disturbing rise in new hospitalizations attributed to the virus is causing concern in the United States. The minor surge in COVID-19 cases that emerged during the summer months, starting from July, seems to be extending into August.

Recent data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights this trend, indicating that COVID-19-related hospitalizations experienced a more than 12% increase in the final week of July when compared to the previous week. This uptick led to a total of over 9,000 admissions.

However, it is important to note that most of the country is currently categorized by the CDC as experiencing "low" levels of hospital admissions due to COVID-19. While a few counties are reporting a "medium" level of hospitalizations, none have reported a "high" level.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations

This situation marks the third consecutive week in which COVID-19 hospitalizations have shown an upward path. Experts warn that although a modest increase during the summer is not entirely unexpected, it should serve as a warning to approach the virus with a sense of seriousness and caution, especially as the winter months approach, bringing with them a higher prevalence of respiratory illnesses.

It is worth noting that COVID-19-related deaths, which usually follow an increase in hospitalizations, have not exhibited a corresponding rise during this period.

The CDC's attention has shifted from keeping track of individual COVID-19 cases to prioritizing the monitoring of deaths and hospital admissions. Although the number of current infections cannot be precisely determined, the noteworthy surge in hospitalizations strongly suggests a substantial expansion in the transmission of the virus.

The Surge In Hospitalizations

This surge in hospitalizations correlates with the emergence of a new variant of the coronavirus, referred to as EG.5, which has now become the predominant strain making rounds within the United States. EG.5 has displaced the previously dominant "Arcturus" variant in terms of commonness.

The influence of EG.5 is not restricted to the U.S. alone; it is also causing an increase in cases around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently elevated EG.5's classification to that of a "variant under monitoring," a classification just one step below the more concerning "variant of concern," which has been attributed to the Arcturus variant. The WHO reports that EG.5's commonness worldwide nearly doubled from mid-June to mid-July and has been identified in 45 countries across the globe.

As health authorities diligently observe the evolving situation, the rise in hospitalizations, combined with the ascendancy of the EG.5 variant, underscores the ongoing significance of adhering to preventive measures, advocating for vaccination initiatives, and maintaining a state of vigilance in the midst of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. This underscores the fact that collective efforts remain pivotal in effectively managing the virus's impact on public health and safety.