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COVID-19 cases rise over summer as doctors see different symptoms
WDBJ7 • • health
Key Points:
- COVID-19 cases have increased nationally over the summer, with symptoms now often including gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, alongside traditional respiratory symptoms.
- Dr. James Black from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital notes that COVID-19 and the flu are the primary causes of current illnesses, but it is unclear if a new variant is responsible for the symptom changes.
- The virus appears to be reverting to a form similar to earlier coronavirus strains, causing both upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Families are advised to manage symptoms at home with fever reducers and hydration, avoid panic, and follow standard precautions like hand-washing and covering coughs.
- Children should stay home from school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours, and emergency care should be sought if severe symptoms like extreme shortness of breath or inability to keep fluids down occur.
