Local hospitals are wary of a possible fall or winter surge in COVID-19 cases as the KP.2 variant spreads
MACON, Georgia — As fall and winter approach, Central Georgia health officials are advising residents to remain vigilant, especially due to a potential increase in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu.
Michael Hokanson, a spokesman for the Georgia Department of Public Health, North Central District, said although COVID-19 is no longer classified as a public health emergency, the virus still poses a threat.
Local health departments in Middle Georgia continue to offer free at-home COVID-19 testing, though Hokanson said tracking the spread of the virus has become more complicated.
“This can definitely impact people who are medically vulnerable or who have a chronic illness,” Hokanson said. “The number of COVID cases may not be accurate because home tests are not counted, only PCR tests are.”
Hokanson also said that while flu vaccines are available, the newly developed COVID-19 vaccine hasn’t arrived yet.
“We don’t have a new COVID vaccine yet,” Hokanson said. “When it becomes available, we will announce it via our website, press releases and social media.”
Dr. Sameer Irfan, chief resident of emergency medicine at Piedmont Macon Medical Center, said while severe COVID cases have decreased since the peak of the pandemic, it's still important to take precautions, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
“People travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas time, so there is definitely an increased risk of infection with large numbers of people meeting and coming in contact with each other,” Irfan said.
For those at higher risk — particularly those with underlying health problems or those over the age of 60 — they recommend seeking medical help if symptoms worsen.
“If you're experiencing severe symptoms, we recommend coming to the emergency department,” Irfan said. “Getting tested doesn't change the management. It's all supportive care which includes keeping yourself hydrated, isolating yourself, keeping the risk of infecting others low, and taking appropriate precautions.”
Health officials are recommending getting both COVID-19 and flu vaccines this season, reminding people to wear masks in crowded areas, practice good hand hygiene and be vigilant against the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The new COVID-19 booster, recently approved by the FDA, is designed to target emerging variants like the KP.2 strain and is expected to be available this fall.