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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
New Covid variant symptoms seen in US amid surge in summer wave: Check symptoms and states at the highest risk
As many as 26 states in US including Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas are witnessing a surge in the new variant in Covid. The worrying data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a summer surge of Covid-19, with cases increasing across the country. "COVID-19 laboratory percent positivity is increasing nationally," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. "Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among young children 0-4 years old," though the CDC noted that emergency room visits are "low" overall. Covid cases rising in US Covid-19 numbers are increasing in Massachusetts, and in multiple states across the country. The CDC in its latest report said the number of cases is now growing or likely growing in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. COVID-related emergency room visits for young kids are also the highest they've been since March, according to the data. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo The latest COVID-19 strain is known as "Nimbus." As of early June, the new strain known as NB.1.8.1, or "Nimbus," made up 37% of COVID-19 cases nationwide. ALSO READ: Why New Yorkers may have to pay sky-high electricity bill from next month "We now know that there's a winter spike and then there's a summer spike," he said. "And every year, I just looked last night, the number of deaths, the number of hospitalizations, is gradually going down each season. So that's the good news," CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told "CBS Mornings". He warned that people should not ignore the increase in Covid cases. Live Events "If it strikes you, especially for the vulnerable, and we're talking about very young children under age of 4, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised — there are millions of people who are immunocompromised out there — they can really get sick," LaPook said. COVID spikes used to mostly hit in winter, however now the virus is showing up twice a year. What should you know about Nimbus strain? Nimbus strain was first detected in China in January 2025 but accounted for about 0% of cases in the United States until May. The latest COVID variants, nicknamed Nimbus and Stratus, are "no more deadly" than previous variants, LaPook said. The Nimbus strain spreads fast and often causes sore throats that feel sharp or painful, this condition is also know as 'razor blade throat.' It's now dominant in most states. So far, it doesn't appear to cause more serious illness. ALSO READ: Trump to prosecute Kamala Harris, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey? US President reiterates explosive warning Virologists describe Nimbus as a 'slightly upgraded' version of its predecessor. While there is no evidence it causes more severe disease, it appears to be highly transmissible. Reported symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to other COVID-19 strains. However, there is one distinctive complaint- a severe sore throat, sometimes described as 'razor-blade throat fatigue.' Other symptoms may include: Mild cough Fever Muscle aches Nasal congestion Should you get a Covid booster? Health experts say that updated COVID-19 vaccines remain the best protection against severe illness. Vaccination rates vary widely by state, and health officials continue to urge eligible individuals to stay current with their shots. The CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from "severe illness, hospitalization and death," there have been some shifts in recommendations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for example, says pregnant people should get vaccinated. The CDC has advised using "shared clinical decision-making" when considering the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children. ALSO READ: 'Made me a meme': Ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron to sue Coldplay over viral kiss cam controversy. Chris Martin reacts For adults aged 18 and older, the agency continues to recommend the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing its importance for those 65 and older, individuals at high risk of severe illness, or those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19. Where COVID-19 cases are growing in US? Covid-19 cases are growing in Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. ALSO READ: Largest great white shark ever captured in Florida leaves scientists stunned. It measures 13.8 feet and weighs 1,653 pounds How can you stay safe? -Get a booster if it is more than six months since your last dose. Old age people, people with weak immune systems need extra protection. -Wear mask in crowded places like N95 or KN95 especially in areas that have poor air circulation. -Keep at-home tests ready and take one, if you feel sick or if you were exposed to the virus. If it's positive, isolate for five days. -Use air purifiers, improve the air flow in the indoors. -Wash hands often, use sanitizer. Don't touch your face after being in public. Watch for signs like fever, fatigue, and sore throat. Act fast if symptoms show up.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
COVID cases rising in the US: Which states have the maximum number of cases?
The COVID-19 pandemic was definitely one of the worst times to have plagued humanity. Millions of people lost their lives to a disease whose origin and ideal treatment remain an enigma even today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Like any other difficulty, humans adapted and figured out solutions for survival. While treatment for the virus is available, being infected with it is a gruesome journey that many fail to survive. According to an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25 states are seeing a growth in the number of COVID cases as the summer wave appears to be starting, reported CBS News. While the activity remains "low" nationwide based on the CDC wastewater data, it has upgraded from "very low" from the previous week. Which states have the maximum number of cases? Image credits: Getty Images Some of the highest increases in emergency rooms for COVID have happened in the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast. While the former has seen a steep rise in ER visits in June, the latter has been gradually rising for weeks. Due to new variants spreading across the states, health officials are expecting a rise in COVID-19 cases this summer. COVID-19 cases are growing in these states, as per the CDC: Arkansas Hawaii Illinois Iowa Kentucky North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Virginia Additionally, the cases are likely growing in these locations: Alaska California Delaware District Of Columbia Georgia Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi New Jersey New York Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Wisconsin Which COVID-19 variants are spreading in the US? Image credits: Getty Images As per a recent CDC analysis, COVID seems to be following a twice-a-year pattern, where cases pick up once in the summer (July through September) and once in the winter (December through February). 'Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues,' CDC scientists wrote. SI diversity is the ongoing changes in a key part of the virus's spike protein, which helps it bind to human cells. The latest COVID variants spreading in the US include Nimbus and Stratus. While these are new, they are "no more deadly" than the previous variants, according to CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr Jon LaPook. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The symptoms also match in terms of respiratory problems such as cough and sore throat, and systemic issues like fever and fatigue. The center also warned about another virus spreading more rapidly recently, the Parvovirus B19. People who get infected don't get very sick but experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and a rash. Chicago, in particular, has seen a spike in patients visiting the ER due to this virus. 'Several of the most recent weeks saw the highest percentage of B19-associated ED visits compared to the same week in all years since 2015,' health officials said. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for complications from the virus and thus are advised to wear masks when going to high-risk areas.
Economic Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
COVID-19 Cases Rise: Should you be worried and take immediate precautions? Here's complete list of affected states, other details
ET Online COVID-19 cases are rising in the United States. COVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting growing or likely growing case numbers in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. The spike coincides with new variants and shifting guidance on data shows that COVID-19 cases are either increasing or likely increasing in most regions. The states currently reporting growing cases include: Arkansas Hawaii Illinois Iowa Kentucky North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Virginia In addition, the following locations are seeing a likely increase: Alaska California Delaware District of Columbia Georgia Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Mississippi New Jersey New York Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Wisconsin According to CDC tracking, COVID-related emergency room visits for children under the age of 5 are at their highest since March. This group remains among the most vulnerable, as they cannot yet receive their own vaccine doses. Also Read: World's Best International Airports: Who tops the list and why? Here's Top 10 list, rankings, Travel + Leisure 2025 survey criteria and points Dr. Jon LaPook, chief medical correspondent for CBS News, said the rise is part of an annual pattern now observed since the pandemic began. He confirmed there are winter and summer spikes. He added that although the overall number of hospitalizations and deaths is decreasing each year, COVID-19 still poses risks to certain groups. These include children under 4, older adults, and immunocompromised recent increase in cases has been linked to new variants named Nimbus and Stratus. Dr. LaPook stated that these are not more dangerous than earlier variants. Symptoms continue to include cough, sore throat, fever, and variants like NB.1.8.1 also showed no increase in disease severity. The new seasonal vaccines are designed to protect against current circulating strains, including Nimbus and Stratus. Also Read: Don't Tap the Glass Release: Tyler, The Creator's Album takes social media by storm, sparks meme fest. Here's complete track list, run time, reactions The CDC and other health organizations have differing guidance on vaccines. The CDC encourages shared clinical decision-making, especially for healthy children. Most adults are recommended to receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, particularly if they: Are 65 years or older Are at high risk for severe COVID-19 Have never received a vaccine Some organizations, like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to recommend vaccination during pregnancy. This helps transfer antibodies from the mother to the baby before the infant becomes eligible for their own and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. noted that vaccine decisions should be made in consultation with medical professionals. Are the new COVID-19 variants Nimbus and Stratus more severe than previous ones? No. Experts say symptoms are similar to earlier variants. They include cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue. Hospitalization rates have not shown an increase. Should everyone get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine? The CDC advises most adults to get it, especially older adults or those at risk. Others should discuss it with their healthcare provider.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
RFK Jr. encourages people to get measles vaccine in first network TV interview since becoming health secretary
Robert Kennedy Jr. sat down exclusively with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook for his first network TV interview since becoming Health and Human Services secretary. You can watch LaPook's interview with Kennedy on " CBS Mornings " and the " CBS Evening News " on Wednesday, April 9. Health and Human Services Secreaty Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told CBS News he encourages people to get vaccinated against measles as an outbreak primarily in West Texas has killed two children and infected more than 500 people in the area. "We encourage people to get the measles vaccine," Kennedy told CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook on Tuesday during his Make America Healthy Again tour in Arizona, marking the first time Kennedy has publicly urged people to get the measles vaccine since becoming HHS secretary. Asked by LaPook what the federal government's official position on the vaccine is, Kennedy reiterated, "The federal government's position, my position, is that people should get the measles vaccine," but added, "The government should not be mandating those." Kennedy had previously acknowledged the vaccine's efficacy in an opinion piece published by Fox News in March, in which he wrote that he was "deeply concerned about the recent measles outbreak" and said, "Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons." And on social media last weekend, Kennedy wrote, "The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine." But he stopped short of recommending people actually get the vaccine in both instances. Prior to that piece, Kennedy had downplayed the growing number of cases and made several false and misleading claims about the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Kennedy, referring to the ongoing outbreak, had at one point called it "not unusual." However, with more than 600 cases nationwide just four months into 2025, the U.S. has seen the most measles infections in a single year since a 2019 outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe infections in the lungs and brain that can lead to cognitive issues, deafness or death. But doctors and health officials say the MMR vaccine is extremely safe and effective . Most people who develop measles will see their symptoms improve, but about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people will be hospitalized. About 1 out of every 1,000 children with measles will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected will die, the CDC says. Both of the children who died in this year's outbreak were unvaccinated, and health officials have said the overwhelming majority of people infected in West Texas are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. Kennedy has insisted he is not anti-vaccine and says his views have been mischaracterized. "I always said during my campaign and every part, every public statement I've made, 'I'm not gonna take people's vaccines away from them,'" Kennedy told LaPook. "What I'm gonna do is make sure that we have good science so that people can make an informed choice." Taylor Johnston and Sara Moniuszko contributed to this report.
CBS News
25-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Foods that trigger acid reflux, how to prevent it and when to consult a doctor
An estimated 20% of Americans suffer from GERD, a chronic form of acid reflux that goes beyond occasional heartburn. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can be more common among older people, those who are obese, and pregnant women, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. When should symptoms raise concern? CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook broke down what to know about serious acid reflux on "CBS Mornings Plus" Tuesday. "The stomach loves acid, it helps with digestion. The esophagus, the swallowing tube, hates acid," LaPook, who is a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, explained. "Fortunately, there's a valve in between the stomach and the esophagus that stops acid from bubbling up and giving you symptoms. When that loosens up, acid bubbles up, and it can cause all sorts of symptoms." Symptoms can include heartburn , cough and chest pain, he noted. Certain foods and other products can also trigger acid reflux, including: "Basically anything that gives you even an iota of pleasure," LaPook laughed. Besides avoiding these trigger foods, there are ways to prevent and treat acid reflux, including antacids and other medications. "Things that can make it better are things like antacids. So you have pills that actually go into the stomach, or liquid that coats the esophagus and goes into the stomach — the liquid tends to work a little faster — and they hit that stomach acid ... and decrease the amount of acid the stomach," LaPook said. If that doesn't work, there are medications that can help stop the production of acid. "They can get increasingly powerful, and they can be more important in the long run for controlling long-term symptoms," he said. Finishing meals at least 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep, and elevating your head in bed, can also help reduce discomfort, the Sleep Foundation suggests. While most commonly acid reflux is something that can be treated with medication, diet or weight loss, LaPook urges people to talk to their doctor in case it's the sign of something more serious. "My advice to people is, when you have something pop up, especially a new symptom, talk to your health care provider about it, because it can be tricky knowing when to do what," he said. For patients experiencing chest pain, LaPook said it could just be acid reflux but also cautioned that it " could be a lot of things ," including an ulcer, gallbladder disease or heart issue. "People with heart attacks or angina can feel burning in their chest," he said, highlighting the importance of bringing up your exact symptoms to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
