Some parts of the country are seeing a new hike in the number of COVID-19 cases, but experts are unsure whether this means there could be a surge of cases this winter. The U.S. is still averaging more than 38,000 reported cases a day, with more than 26,000 people hospitalized and as many as 360 deaths reported every day.
Overall, more than 97 million cases have been reported in the U.S., and more than a million people have died.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months of age and older, as well as boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. So far, only about 4% of people eligible to be vaccinated have gotten the vaccines and about half of those eligible for a booster haven’t gotten one. Find out where you can get your vaccine here.
TESTING AND ISOLATION If you have COVID-19 symptoms, test immediately. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
Call 911 if anyone for anyone who shows these symptoms: trouble breathing, persistent pain or chest pressure, new confusion, the inability to wake or stay awake, and pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
If you test positive, the CDC recommends you do the following:
LONG COVID Some people who have had COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions or long COVID. These effects can last for weeks, or even months. Sometimes the symptoms go away, only to return. Symptoms of long COVID include:
Talk to your doctor if you think you or your child has long COVID or a post-COVID condition.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.