In a worrisome turn of events, Georgia is facing a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations after the holiday season, with numbers reaching levels not seen in nearly a year. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia reported a staggering 73% increase in new COVID-19 hospitalizations for the week ending December 30, which is significantly higher than the national increase of 20% for the same week.

The total hospitalizations in Georgia rose from 538 to 933, indicating a concerning rise in the number of severe cases. Alarmingly, over half of those hospitalized were individuals aged 60 or older, highlighting the vulnerability of older adults to the virus.

Although this recent surge is concerning, health experts believe it is not as lethal as the previous waves experienced in the past year, including the spike brought on by the omicron variant earlier in 2022.

Dr. Marybeth Sexton, an epidemiologist at Emory Clinic, acknowledged the spike in COVID-19 cases and emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely. Sexton stated, "We just need to see what happens, whether this calms down as we get farther from the travel people did over the past couple of weeks. Whether we are at a peak or whether we are going to see this perpetuated, I think this will depend on the safety precautions people take."

Among the most vulnerable to severe illness and complications from COVID-19 are older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. In Georgia, around 70% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations during the week ending December 30 were individuals aged 60 and older.

Adding to the concerns, a new variant known as JN.1, a descendant of the omicron variant, has been rapidly spreading across the nation, including in the eight-state Southeastern region that encompasses Georgia. The CDC reports that JN.1 now represents 62% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. While it is uncertain if it is more transmissible, early lab data indicates that the updated vaccines and the antiviral medication Paxlovid remain effective against this variant.

Despite the challenges posed by the new variant, the overall situation is better compared to the first two winters of the pandemic. Vaccinations and prior infections have enhanced immunity and reduced the severity of illnesses. Approximately 96% of adults in the U.S. either have natural immunity from prior infections or have been vaccinated, providing a significant level of protection against the virus.

In some encouraging news, the omicron variant appears to be less likely to invade the lungs compared to previous variants.

Dr. Andrew Reisman, a Gainesville doctor and former president of the Medical Association of Georgia, has observed that fewer patients are seriously ill compared to earlier stages of the pandemic, crediting early testing and access to COVID-19 treatment medications for easing symptoms and helping patients "tolerate it better."

Nonetheless, COVID-19 remains a threat, particularly for older individuals and those with compromised immune systems, as immunity can wane over time. Additionally, long COVID continues to affect patients, with debilitating symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even longer.

The latest data on COVID-19 deaths in Georgia reveal 12 deaths for the week ending December 30, while early December data suggests an average of around 20 deaths per week in the state.

Healthcare professionals strongly urge everyone, including those not at high risk of severe illness, to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines and practice caution by staying home if they become ill. Dr. Sexton further emphasized the reasonable consideration of wearing masks in public, with a strong recommendation for high-risk individuals and those residing with high-risk individuals to use masks for added protection during this wave of illness.