In an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been revealed that Covid-19 remains the primary cause of new respiratory virus hospitalizations and deaths. During a briefing for reporters on Friday, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized that Covid-19 is responsible for approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths each week.

As the CDC no longer tracks case numbers nationally, the agency has turned to wastewater sampling as a way to monitor Covid-19 activity across the country. According to the CDC's wastewater dashboard, viral activity is currently increasing on a national level, with the highest levels observed in the Midwest. Experts believe that this rise in viral activity in the Midwest could be an indication of what may happen as winter approaches and colder temperatures prevail.

Tara Smith, a professor of epidemiology at Kent State University, noted that the seasonal pattern of Covid-19 infections has been observed in recent years. Warmer states in the South tend to experience a surge in cases during the warm summer months as people seek shelter indoors with air conditioning, while colder states in the North see an increase in cases during the winter due to people spending more time indoors because of inclement weather.

Adding to concerns about the upcoming winter season, experts anticipate a rise in Covid-19 infections as holiday travel starts to pick up. With increased mobility and gathering, the risk of transmission is expected to be heightened.

Regarding Covid-19 variants, the predominant strain in the United States as of November 25th is the HV.1 variant, accounting for approximately 32% of new cases, according to CDC data. However, there is evidence suggesting that other variants, such as the BA.2.86 variant, may be gaining momentum. This variant, which was first detected in the summer, has seen its prevalence triple in a week, from 3% to 9% of new cases as of November 25th. The BA.2.86 variant has drawn attention due to its high number of mutations.

In November, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the BA.2.86 variant to a variant of interest, although it stated that the public health risk from this variant remains low at the global level. Experts assure the public that none of the current variants are of concern, particularly the omicron variants, but emphasize the need for more Americans to receive updated Covid-19 vaccinations.

According to the CDC, only 16% of adults in the U.S. have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine. While concerns persist about the potential emergence of vaccine-resistant variants, experts suggest that the current vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the severity of the disease caused by circulating variants, including HV.1 and JN.1.

In light of this information, health officials stress the importance of eligible individuals receiving the updated Covid-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others, particularly as the winter season approaches and the threat of respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, persists.