(WWJ) There's been a spike in COVID-19 cases this summer, according to health officials, with around 600 U.S. deaths per week associated with the virus.
Speaking with WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher, U.S. Epidemiologist and data scientist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina ran down some of the reasons why.
"It's hot outside, people are headed indoors, and indoors is where viruses spread," Jetelina said. "Two, the viruses mutate, and COVID-19 mutates about two-times faster than the flu. And every time it mutates it finds ways to escape our immunity defenses and causes infections."
Jetelina said the U.S. is seeing an "incredibly large wave" of COVID cases this summer, which was really unexpected. "I think it surprised a lot of us epidemiologists and scientists, and in fact it's as big as our typical winter wave."
Jetelina told Fisher there are things people can do to avoid getting seriously ill.
"If you're staying up-to-date on your vaccines, these vaccines really protect you against hospitalization and death. And they do protect against infection somewhat in the beginning," Jetelina said.
"And so what we're seeing among those that have immunity from vaccines, or even previous infections, that this is a lot more mild."
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Jetelina said doctors recommend that most people get an annual COVD vaccine every fall. She suggests getting a COVID shot twice a year if you're over age 65 or are immunocompromised.
Talk to your doctor or go here to find out where to get vaccinated, and get the latest information about COVID-19 in the U.S. from the CDC at this link.
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