Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Rising COVID-19 Hospitalizations in USA: Should India be Concerned?

Rising COVID-19 Hospitalizations in USA: Should India be Concerned?

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Aug 7 2023 11:39 PM
Listen to this article
0:00/0:00

Highlights:
  • COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US have seen a 10% increase, the largest since December 2022, causing concern despite low overall case rates
  • No significant rise in COVID-19 cases in India but there is an increase in another viral infection
  • Seasonal changes leading to more indoor gatherings and fluctuating humidity levels are cited as potential reasons for the surge in viral infections
COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise in the United States. According to the report, hospitalizations have increased by 10%, the most since December 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States' primary public health body, has issued a warning about this rise (1 Trusted Source
COVID Data Tracker

Go to source
).

Advertisement

Increase in COVID-19 Hospitalizations and Emergency Room Visits

More than 7,100 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized during the week of July 15, up from 6,444 the previous week. As of July 21, COVID-19-related emergency room visits accounted for around 0.73% of all visits, up from 0.49% a month earlier. However, according to CDC spokesperson Kathleen Conley, there is no need to be concerned because overall COVID-19 rates in the United States remain "near-historic lows."

Advertisement

Should Indians be Concerned With the Incease in COVID-19 Cases in the US?

According to Dr. Trupti Gilada, an infectious disease expert from Mumbai, the increase in instances could be related to a new variety.
If you're wondering whether you should start wearing masks and gloves again, experts say not to worry just yet. Dr. Trupti reveals that, despite increased testing, there has been no increase in COVID-19 cases in India. So, even if the number of COVID-19 instances increases, the severity of the cases is predicted to stay low, according to her.

So, even if the number of COVID-19 instances increases, the severity of the cases is predicted to stay low, according to her.

Advertisement

Seasonal Shifts and Indoor Gatherings Lead to Surge in Viral Infections

Dr. Trupti, on the other hand, points out that, while there is no increase in COVID-19 cases, another viral infection is on the rise. Similar to influenza, we see a rise in instances like COVID-19 when the seasons change for a variety of reasons:
  • Because of the weather, people choose to spend their time indoors, such as in malls, rather than outside.
  • Humidity levels are critical, especially for disorders of the lungs or upper respiratory tract.
Reference:
  1. COVID Data Tracker - (https:covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker)
Source-Medindia


Advertisement