What to know as COVID infections are on the increase in Florida.

 

Are you feeling ill? You’re not alone.

Is COVID the possible cause? Given that Florida has been hit by a summer wave of the virus strain, it is becoming more likely. The good news is that in comparison to previous trends, this wave is mild.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include Florida as one of 39 states where COVID infections are either increasing or are probably increasing.

The CDC is no longer tracking individual COVID-19 cases and is instead relying on emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and wastewater data to monitor the situation. Nationwide, influenza and RSV levels remain low, but COVID-19 infections are on the rise. South Florida hospitals have reported an increase in COVID-19 cases, though it's not as severe as previous summers.

“We’re seeing a slight increase in the number of COVID-positive patients hospitalized and in the ER, but it’s not dramatic compared to past surges,” said Dr. Paula Eckardt, chief of infectious diseases at Memorial Healthcare System in southern Broward County.

Key Points:

Dominant COVID-19 Variant

The most dominant COVID-19 variant in the U.S. is KP.3, comprising about 33% of cases, followed by KP.2 at 21%, according to recent CDC estimates. Scientists are also monitoring LB.1, which is gaining traction and could soon become dominant. All three variants are descendants of omicron and offshoots of JN.1, which caused many winter infections. Those most at risk for severe illness remain seniors 65 and older and the immunocompromised.

“There is currently no evidence that KP.3 or LB.1 cause more severe disease,” CDC spokesperson David Daigle told CBS News. “CDC will continue to track SARS-CoV-2 variants and is working to better understand their public health impact.”

Vaccine Effectiveness

Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to offer some protection, but studies suggest they may be less effective against the circulating variants. New vaccines are anticipated this fall. The FDA advisory committee recommends that Pfizer and Moderna update their vaccine formulas to better match JN.1 and its descendants, such as KP.2 and KP.3, also known as FLiRT variants.

COVID-19 Situation in the U.S. and South Florida

Recent CDC data shows a 25% increase in COVID-related hospitalizations nationwide from May 26 to June 1, and more positive cases in Florida since late May, especially in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. However, COVID testing is less reliable now due to fewer test sites and unreported at-home test results, making hospitalizations a key indicator.

Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade saw an all-time low number of inpatient cases in April and May but noted an uptick in June, though it hasn’t affected operations. Memorial Healthcare System in Broward also observed a slight increase but reports fewer severe cases and improved treatment strategies. As of the latest data, Memorial has 91 inpatient COVID-19 cases, a 38% increase from 66 cases at the end of May.

Tips to Stay Healthy

The summer heat may be driving people indoors, aiding virus spread, and increased travel also plays a role. As July Fourth approaches, Dr. Eckardt recommends:

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines.

• Wash hands frequently.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded areas, especially if immunocompromised.

• If feeling sick, get tested and seek treatment if necessary.