As the Labor Day weekend approaches, doctors and experts are urging people to protect themselves and others against the latest COVID surge. Busy airports and large indoor events have been contributing to the spread of the virus, leading to a surge in cases, the strongest since 2022. In response, the FDA has authorized the distribution of updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming season.
The surge is fueled by new hyperinfectious coronavirus subvariants, such as FLiRT, FLuQE, and DeFLuQE, making it challenging for people who are a year or more out from their last vaccination or infection to fight off the virus. While some parts of the country are experiencing a slowing of new infections, it will take consistent decreases in cases before a reversal in the surge can be declared.
To protect yourself and others, experts recommend getting vaccinated with the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, testing daily if you’re sick, asking for anti-COVID drugs if you become ill, avoiding others until 24 hours after symptoms improve, wearing masks, and avoiding large indoor gatherings. Major retailers are already or soon will be offering appointments for the new vaccines, and Kaiser Permanente expects to begin administering the shots by mid-September.
In other news, Tom Girardi has been found guilty of wire fraud for embezzling client money, and teachers are raising alarms over the safety of child actors on film and TV sets. California students return to college amid tighter security over protests, and concerns have been raised about the safety of Men’s Central Jail in L.A. in the event of an earthquake. As the 2024 Paralympic Games begin in Paris, visually impaired parathletes share their experiences relying on sound and touch.
Source
Photo credit www.latimes.com
