ST. LOUIS — Although COVID-19 never left, experts say cases are on the rise nationwide, including in the St. Louis region.
Experts say since things are back to normal, people are congregating again. Add to that, fall and winter months are approaching.
As seasons change, respiratory illnesses make a comeback. The coughing, fatigue, sore throats and of course, loss of taste or smell.
"We're seeing a rise in cases,” said St. Louis County Health Director Dr. Kanika Cunningham.
Say hello to the return of COVID-19. Nationwide, hospitalizations are up 14% from last week, but still lower than they were before the pandemic.
"Compared to two years ago, we’re nowhere near that but as we enter the winter months, what we do know is respiratory viruses do tend to increase and circulate. So we have COVID-19, Influenza, RSV,” Dr. Cunningham said.
It's why she recommends vaccines to protect against them all. RSV, though, is specifically for those over 60.
As for COVID?
"Different variants are circulating right now and we've got our eye on one in particular but I would recommend for individuals to get the booster,” she said.
The CDC is now weighing in on when you should expect it.
"The new COVID booster is expected to be approved by the FDA and then we will make recommendations from the CDC probably by the second or third week of September,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said.
Cunningham also shared some good news.
"These particular variants, they're not as deadly or as severe as previous ones… You’re not hearing a lot about people dying from it. It's more so mild symptoms,” Cunningham said.
To keep things that way, she wants people to get the new booster when it comes out, continue to wash your hands, and even mask up if you're at risk.
"For my older adults who may have underlying diabetes, hypertension or other co-morbidities like cancer, when you find yourself in enclosed spaces, crowded areas, I would consider wearing a mask. We’re not at the point of trying to mandate it but I would recommend it for individuals if you're a person at risk, go ahead and put a mask on,” Cunningham suggested.
The CDC said you can get your flu shot and Covid boosters at the same time if you'd like. When it comes to the RSV vaccine, officials say talk with your doctor first.
The health department says you should also stock up on Covid tests and stay home if you’re sick.