In recent months, California has witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases, even though some may have dismissed it as an afterthought. This is according to reports from Fresno County, California, as highlighted by KFSN.
Dr. Kenny Banh, an emergency medical physician at UCSF Fresno, stated that the figures in Fresno have aligned with those of the rest of California.
As more individuals opt for at-home COVID-19 testing or choose not to get tested at all, the state has implemented innovative methods to monitor the spread of the virus.
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Dr. Banh explains that the foremost observation is the surge in wastewater. This entails collecting samples from people’s wastewater to detect COVID-19. Although it does not identify individuals who are infected, it provides information about the virus’s prevalence in a population. According to Dr. Banh, the numbers have increased significantly.
During the pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of COVID-19 cases during the winter and summer seasons. This is primarily due to people seeking refuge indoors from extreme weather conditions. Additionally, people tend to travel more during these seasons, which can also contribute to the spike in cases.
Dr. Banh noted that during the summer months, there tends to be an increase in cases due to the high travel season. With people visiting their families and going on summer vacations, airports and buses become more crowded, leading to a higher risk of transmission.
According to the Fresno County Public Health Department, the variant that we are experiencing this summer is capable of spreading faster than the variants we have encountered in the past.
Dr. Trinidad Solis, the Deputy Health Officer of the Fresno County Public Health Department, explained that currently, there is no evidence suggesting a higher level of severity with COVID-19. This means that there are no indications of an increase in hospitalizations or deaths due to the virus.
The current variant may exhibit similar symptoms to its predecessors.
According to Dr. Solis, a lot of individuals are experiencing symptoms of sore throats, coughs, and fevers, but some may also experience abdominal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo covid testing if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
According to the Fresno County Public Health Department, free testing is still available through various means.
Dr. Solis explained that there is a program called the Rural Mobile Health Program that offers free testing and treatment for COVID. The program has partnered with local providers who rotate throughout the rural areas of the county to provide these services. Interested individuals can visit the program’s website to learn more about the testing and treatment services offered. Furthermore, the Department of Public Health has provided COVID tests to various community-based organizations to help reach vulnerable communities.
Doctors advise those who test positive for an illness to stay at home for at least 24 hours or until they are fever-free without medication. Seeking treatment is also an option.
According to Dr. Banh, Paxlovid taken orally remains the primary initial treatment for the majority of COVID cases. It has been proven to effectively reduce hospitalization and mortality rates.
It is still highly recommended by doctors to keep up with your vaccinations. An updated COVID booster is expected to be available this fall, so it is important to stay on top of your vaccinations to protect yourself and those around you.
Dr. Banh likened the approach to getting an annual flu vaccine, stating that it is essential to think of COVID in a similar way. He emphasized that the virus has become a part of our lives, much like the flu, which still hospitalizes and claims lives, including healthy individuals and at-risk populations. Therefore, it is crucial to start thinking of COVID as a long-term problem that requires a sustained effort to manage and mitigate.
Doctors suggest wearing a mask if you are ill, elderly, or have a weakened immune system.
According to the public health department, it is unlikely that masks will be mandated again in Fresno.
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