COVID-19 Surge: What You Need to Know
The United States is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses including Flu, COVID-19, and RSV due to several factors including holiday gatherings, increased indoor activities, and waning immunity due to low vaccination rates, plus the emergence of a new highly infectious COVID variant, JN.1.
According to a CDC chart of national and regional COVID trends, the viral activity rate in wastewater is at its highest level since January 2022, with a national rate of 12.44 for the week ending December 30, 2023.
How Serious is the New COVID Variant, JN.1?
The new COVID variant, JN.1, is responsible for over 61% of cases in the US as of the week ending Jan. 6, 2024, according to CDC data. While the symptoms of JN.1 may vary depending on your underlying health and immunity, they are generally similar to those caused by other variants.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
If you are sick, stay home and take a COVID test.
Wear a mask in indoor settings with lots of people.
Consider avoiding crowded settings, especially if you're high risk.
Get vaccinated with the new COVID vaccine, approved for everyone ages 6 months and older.
OCH offers COVID vaccinations for children, adolescents, and adults.
Please note - online scheduling is only available for Hood River and The Dalles locations at this time.
Schedule below.