COVID-19 cases are rising in the US; what to do if you test positive?

COVID-19 cases are rising across the U.S., as positivity rates and hospitalizations have increased in at least 25 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors say rising summer temperatures and hot weather in parts of the country that are already experiencing extreme heat have led to a rise in COVID-19 cases. If you test positive for the virus, read on to learn how to avoid spreading the infection.

Doctors say that rising temperatures in summer have led to an increase in Covid-19 cases

The United States has recently seen a surge in COVID-19 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of early August, both test-positivity and emergency room visits were rising in at least 25 states, and only three were declining or expected to decline.

According to experts, the graph since the pandemic broke out in 2020 has been similar to last summer. “A lot of people tried to brush it off, but I think this summer wave is a little more widespread than the last wave,” Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease specialist at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, told Verywell Health.

Why is COVID-19 increasing?

Doctors say that due to rising summer temperatures and hot weather in some parts of the country, where it is already very hot, there has been a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Moreover, summer is the time when people go out more, gather in large groups, travel and have weddings – all of which put you at risk of spreading the virus from one person to another. Experts also say that while COVID-19 infections have seen a decline in the last few months, people are not taking precautions.

What to do if you notice these symptoms?

Doctors say that since the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the flu, it is always important to get tested. However, experts say that the symptoms most people are experiencing now are quite different, including:

High fever
cough
Headache
sore throat
Runny nose
Diarrhea
nausea
vomit
Loss of smell and taste
Tiredness
Body pain

In the US, PCR or polymerase chain reaction testing remains the gold standard. These tests are available at doctors’ offices and other healthcare facilities. But if you can’t get to a testing site, you should use an at-home test — to make sure it’s not out of date.

Isolate yourself if you test positive

Experts say if you test positive for COVID-19, you should avoid being around others. Officially, COVID-19 is now treated like any other respiratory virus. Also, it’s best to be extra cautious with friends and family members who are at higher risk — such as people with compromised immunity, children, and the elderly.

However, if you have to be around others after a COVID-19 infection, you should wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask. Doctors say a new vaccine is likely to become available in the coming months as the official cold and flu season begins around autumn.

Practice self-care

While most people with mild infections usually recover by taking over-the-counter medications, experts also stress the importance of rest and staying hydrated for a quick recovery. However, if your symptoms are severe, there are three antiviral medications available to treat COVID-19, including:

Paxlovid – For Adults and Children
Vegluri – for adults and some children
Lagevreo – For adults only

Check for serious symptoms

If you have been sick with COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, dizziness, and shortness of breath, you should see your doctor immediately, as it can affect your immune system and cause a variety of long-term health conditions — including chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

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