U.S. Medical News-COVID-19 hospitalizations surge in Maryland as CDC reports 'very high' virus levels

U.S. Medical News: COVID-19 is making a notable comeback in Maryland, with rising hospitalizations and an increase in virus activity across the state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about half of the United States, including Maryland, is experiencing "very high" levels of COVID-19 identified in wastewater collections, a key indicator that the virus is circulating more actively in communities.
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html?utm_source=Public+Health+Updates&utm
 

U.S. Medical News-COVID-19 hospitalizations surge in Maryland as CDC reports 'very high' virus levels

Rising Hospitalizations in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Health has reported a steady increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations since May. At that time, there were 38 people hospitalized with the virus. Fast forward to August, and that number has surged to at least 245 people. For several weeks, the daily average has exceeded 200 COVID-19 hospitalizations.
https://health.maryland.gov/covid/Pages/Maryland-COVID-19-Data.aspx
 
Montgomery County has been particularly affected by this rise. County Executive Marc Elrich expressed concern over the escalating situation, highlighting that 48 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Montgomery County as of last Wednesday. Elrich told U.S. Medical News journalists, "Numbers have been steadily climbing over the past several weeks." Elrich urges the public to be mindful of the elderly and immunocompromised individuals who are at greater risk of severe illness.
 
Spike in Reported Cases
The uptick in hospitalizations coincides with a rise in reported COVID-19 cases in Maryland. The daily average of reported cases has increased from 111 in June to 237 in July. By August, the average had nearly doubled, with 398 cases identified per day. While these numbers indicate a resurgence of the virus, they are still significantly lower than the peaks experienced during the height of the pandemic.

For instance, in 2022, Maryland regularly saw over 2,000 new cases per day. The highest spike occurred on December 28, 2021, when the state reported 17,252 cases in a single day. In contrast, the current surge appears more manageable, largely due to the population's increased immunity and the availability of medical interventions.
 
COVID-19: From Pandemic to Endemic
Experts are now categorizing COVID-19 as an "endemic respiratory virus," meaning it is a permanent fixture in our lives, much like the flu. While the virus can still cause severe disease, particularly among high-risk individuals, it is less likely to do so on a scale that overwhelms hospitals.
 
"COVID-19 is always going to be with us. It's not something that can be eradicated or eliminated," one expert stated. The shift from pandemic to endemic status means that while the virus is here to stay, it no longer poses the same threat it once did. This transition is evident in the current data, which shows a decoupling of cases from hospitalizations and deaths.
 
In the early days of the pandemic, an increase in cases almost invariably led to a spike in hospitalizations and fatalities. However, due to widespread immunity and advancements in medical treatments, this is no longer the case. Despite the rise in cases, deaths in Maryland have not escalated to previous levels. So far in August, 26 people in the state have died from COVID-19, with 11 of those deaths occurring in the past week.
 
COVID-19 Becomes Part of Daily Life
Jennifer Schneider, the Disease Prevention and Management Director for the Anne Arundel County Health Department, emphasized that COVID-19 is becoming "normalized" in everyday life. "COVID is here, COVID is going to stay. But we're at a point now where it is very, very similar to the flu," Schneider explained, noting that prevention recommendations are also similar to those for other respiratory illnesses.
 
As COVID-19 becomes more integrated into our daily routines, the focus has shifted away from pandemic-level precautions. "We're no longer in a pandemic. We're no longer seeing the increase in hospitalization, increase in death that we were seeing at the beginning of the pandemic," Schneider said. However, she stressed that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, still need to be cautious.
 
Schneider advised continuing basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing and sneezing into the elbow, getting vaccinated with updated vaccines as they become available, and avoiding contact with others when sick. These measures are particularly important as we enter the fall season, when respiratory illnesses typically rise.
 
Large Gatherings Pose Increased Risk
As COVID-19 activity increases, so does the risk associated with large gatherings. This weekend, thousands of county officials, lobbyists, and activists are expected to gather in Ocean City for the annual Maryland Association of Counties summer conference. Experts warn that such events can become hotspots for viral transmission.
 
"When humans gather, the viruses that they carry are also gathering," one expert noted, emphasizing that large events often provide a forum for viral exchange. Attendees should assess their personal risk levels and take appropriate precautions. "If you are at a large gathering and have any high-risk conditions, I would make sure that you think about using a mask and doing activities outdoors, if you can," they advised.
 
While it is impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, individuals can take steps to reduce their chances of exposure to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. This cautious approach is especially important as we continue to navigate life with COVID-19 as an endemic virus.
 
Conclusion
As COVID-19 hospitalizations rise in Maryland and the CDC reports high levels of viral activity, it is clear that the virus remains a significant health concern. However, with increased immunity and better medical tools, the impact of the virus is less severe than in previous years. By following recommended precautions and staying informed, individuals can continue to protect themselves and their communities as COVID-19 becomes a permanent part of our lives.
 
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