​COVID winter wave in US​

According to the last US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) maps, fourteen states have a big increase in Coronavirus hospitalizations. There’s an 8.6 percent increase in cases in the US, with 16,239 new hospital admissions in the week ending November 11. According to US News, “the increase comes after new COVID-19 weekly hospital admissions have mostly been trending downward or remaining stable since early September.”

​Parts of US witnessing spike in COVID infections​

The spike in cases is higher in the upper Midwest, parts of the South Atlantic, and southern Mountain regions. As per reports, hospitalizations had steadily risen since late June, peaking in early September but remaining stable around 15,000 through October and November. While this is significantly lower than the January 2021 peak of over 150,600, the latest data reveals concerning trends in several states.

As per reports, Vermont leads with a 70 percent rise, followed by Iowa and Alaska at 60 percent. Montana, Minnesota, and Hawaii have seen increases of over 30 percent. Virginia, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Arizona, and Washington D.C. report over 20 percent hikes.

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​Winter and COVID infection​

According to health experts, colder weather makes Coronavirus spread more easily. “Colder weather tends to lead to an increased spread in viruses and other infections,” notes the CDC. According to a 2020 study, the COVID virus can last longer in cold and dry conditions.

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​Dominant COVID variants​

During a two-week period ending on November 11, COVID-variant HV.1 accounted for 29% of new COVID-19 infections in the US, according to the CDC. After HV.1, the next most common variant was EG.5, which made up about 22% of cases. This was followed by FL.1.5.1 or “Fornax,” and XBB.1.16 or “Arcturus.”

​Tips to prevent getting infected​

Simple yet tried-and-tested preventive measures suggested by the WHO to protect yourselves from COVID in winters include wearing a well-fitting mask when needed, maintaining physical distance of at least 1 meter, ventilating indoor spaces by opening windows and/or doors, avoiding closed, confined or crowded spaces, keeping hands clean, and coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue. It is also important to be fully vaccinated and avoid traveling if you are at risk.