The CDC says COVID cases are back on the rise nationwide

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The Centers for Disease Control says COVID cases are rising in at least 38 states, especially in the western and southern states.

The CDC also says two new variants now account for more than half of the infections in the United States.

Louisiana and Mississippi are two states seeing a rise in cases.

Thea Casimier is a New Orleans nurse who recently contracted COVID-19.

Casimier said she suffers from asthma and is now dealing with a chronic cough.

“Occasionally I would have the nasal drip, but I could not get a handle on being winded,” Casimier said.

Casimier also said the rise in cases has her fearing for the health of the elderly, like her 87-year-old mother-in-law.

LCMC health medical director Hector Cabrera said the rise in cases could be due to a bump in summer travel.

Cabrera also said that, because of treatments and vaccines, things are not as bad as they were at the start of the pandemic.

“It is milder it is easier, most of us have immunity. But it is important to remember that it is still out there,” Cabrera said.

The CDC says fewer than one percent of cases were fatal from June 16 to June 22.

CDC guidelines now say you can resume normal activities when your symptoms improve and you are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

LSU Health says Louisiana has seen a 15% increase in Emergency room visits and a 25% increase in hospitalizations.

Experts stress that everyone six months and older should get an updated vaccine for this fall.

Cabrera expects to see a big spike this winter, which is why he stresses the importance of keeping up with boosters.

“Boosters will raise your antibody levels and will help protect you from getting infected,” he said. “It is important to know that there’s things we can do to protect yourself from getting it and things you can do once you have developed the illness to treat it.

LCMC Health said if you test positive, it is key to protect others around you by wearing a mask when you are around others, especially those with medical conditions that place them at higher risk of complications.

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