Complete Guide to COVID-19: Variants, Cases, and Public Health Recommendations
Variants
The HV.1 COVID variant is currently the most dominant in the U.S., making up nearly a third of cases nationwide. HV.1, part of the Omicron family, shares symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. Eris, also known as EG.5, and Pirola, also known as BA.2.86, are the second and third-most dominant variants, respectively.
Are cases on the rise or decline?
With limited testing and decreased reporting, case counts are no longer a reliable metric. Instead, officials are focusing on hospitalizations to gauge the prevalence of COVID-19 in the U.S. Hospital admissions are expected to remain stable, with COVID-19 still being the leading cause for hospitalizations and fatalities.
Masks
Testing
Every U.S. household can order four free COVID-19 tests, with an additional four tests made available recently. Schools can also order free tests to distribute among students, staff, and families. Free testing is also available for uninsured individuals and underserved communities.
How accurate are at-home tests?
The FDA recommends that if one receives a negative result from an at-home test, they should test again 48 hours later, especially if they are asymptomatic. PCR tests are still considered the gold standard, but at-home tests are effective in detecting newer variants.
Can I use an expired test?
Some test expiration dates have been extended by several months by the FDA. Visit the FDA website to check your specific test’s new expiration date.
Vaccines
Who should get boosted?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the updated monovalent vaccine, which targets the XBB.1.5 Omicron strain and is expected to be effective against currently circulating variants.
Are vaccines free?
COVID vaccines are covered by insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Uninsured and underinsured adults are covered under the federal Bridge Access Program, and vaccines for children are provided at no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children program.
Can you get COVID and flu shots at the same time?
Research shows that receiving both shots at the same time only slightly increases the chance of side effects. Experts suggest getting both shots at the same time for convenience.
Do vaccine cards matter?
Most people do not need to provide proof of vaccination except for health care workers and those in high-risk environments. Vaccination cards are no longer printed, but digital or paper verification can be obtained from state registries or the administering doctor’s office or pharmacy.
