The two seasons of COVID-19 and the rise of Xocova

THOUSAND PALMS, CALIF. (KESQ)- COVID-19 activity is increasing nationally as infections are growing or likely growing in 47 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge aligns with federal health research identifying a recurring pattern of two distinct COVID-19 peaks each year.

Unlike influenza, which primarily surges during the winter, CDC research shows COVID-19 routinely experiences peaks in both late summer and winter. While national flu activity remains low, researchers believe COVID-19's twice-a-year cycle is linked to how quickly the virus mutates, allowing new variants to spread outside traditional respiratory-virus seasons. As of mid-August, CDC estimates show infections are declining in zero states.

Local health systems are observing a rise in infection rates that aligns with national trends. Dr. Bradley Jacoby, Chief of Service for Pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente Riverside, noted that internal records show a recent increase in local cases. “We have been seeing more Covid. You know and I was looking at our own internal Kaiser data. And definitely we've seen an uptick,” Dr. Jacoby said.

He explained that COVID-19 does not follow traditional seasonal patterns. “With Covid, you know there isn't really a seasonality to Covid. It's it's not a predictable once a year kind of pattern. You know, we have seen Covid spikes in summer in the past before. And unfortunately, it seems like this year like there is a spike in Covid over the summer as well,” Dr. Jacoby said.

“You may have had Covid six months or a year ago, your immunity starts to wane down or the virus mutates and now you're at risk again of coming down with Covid,” Dr. Jacoby said. Health officials also note that summer heat forces more people indoors and students returning to school creates additional opportunities for the virus to spread.

The authorization of Xocova gives exposed individuals a new preventative option. “If they're around somebody in their family or just in a place where, you know, they know that there was a contact with a Covid positive person, they can request this medication to help prevent them from coming down with Covid,” Dr. Jacoby said.

In addition to post-exposure treatments, health officials recommend watching for shifting symptoms during the current surge. Patients are reporting more stomach-related issues, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. To lower infection risks, doctors advise sticking with basic precautions such as washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and staying home when feeling unwell.

As COVID-19 activity increases, health officials are also preparing for the upcoming flu season. Dr. Jacoby recommended September through the end of October as the key window for individuals to receive their annual flu shot.