Between the days of August 17 and August 24, 2023. Arkansas’s heart, had themselves an additional 2,185 cases of the most dreaded and discussed virus. And if that weren’t enough, another 44 folks ended up checkin’ in at the hospital, all thanks to that COVID-19 fiasco.
Seems like the whole U.S. of A. is catchin’ a summertime fever, all ’cause of that Eris subvariant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we’ve seen a 22% jump in folks admitted to the hospital because of COVID, and a 21% hike in those sayin’ their farewells to this world.
Remember Eris is just a fancy name for the EG.5 COVID varient, and it’s claimin’ the throne as the top dog in the COVID-19 infection parade. It’s kin to those other troublemakers like XBB sublineage or others that we have had around for the past year or so. The CDC says that for the stretch endin’ August 18, EG.5 made up a whopping 20.6% of new cases. That’s a mighty leap from a measly 7.5% back in July.
Symptoms of Eris are nearly the same as all the other COVID variants and subvarients that we have seen. We’re talkin’ fever, body aches & chills, a chronic cough that ain’t nothin’ to sneeze at, and pounding relentless headaches. As well as gastric issues includin’ sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, in addition to the old classics, losing senses of taste and smell.
In addition to having similar symptoms, this new variant is also highly contagious. Our previous vaccines are thought to help, but not prevent those of us that have been vaccinated from catchin’ the virus. Speakin’ of vaccines there’s talk of a new COVID booster vaccine that will be comin’ later this Fall.
We have all learned some sage wisdom, after having been through this before. If you’re lookin’ to steer clear of COVID (no matter the subvariant), follow these common sense tips:
● Thorough Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands like you’re scrubbin’ away troubles. Gotta do it for a good 20 seconds with some soap.
● Prudent Isolation: Ain’t no shame in staying home. In fact, if you are feelin’ unwell, please stay home.
● Stringent Sanitation: Don’t forget to give them high-touch spots a good cleanin’ – we ain’t welcomin’ germs into our home.
● Maskin up: Mask up like you’re puttin’ on your Sunday best, making sure to cover your nose and mouth. And if a sneeze or a cough comes a-knockin’, catch it like a juicy secret you ain’t ready to spill.
● Caution with Social Gatherin”: Skip the crowded shindigs, keep ’em small and cozy for now. And, keep your distance distance when mixin’ and minglin’.
The return of sore throats and stuffy noses – It’s back Again!
● Strategic Shoppin: We have to go out to the store and where have you, but let’s just keep our distance for now. Give each other some friendly air waves and keep’ about six feet between you and your pals.
● Well rested and ready: Sleep is the elixir of health
● Fill up on Goodness: Load up on them fruits and veggies like they’re treasures from the
garden, ’cause a strong immune system is your best defense.
If you’re feelin’ under the weather, don’t be playin’ the hero – reach out to them healthcare providers who’ve been trained to take on this vigilant virus. We’re all in this together, taking care of ourselves and each other.
