COVID cases in July are rising: What to know about latest symptoms, vaccines
David RobinsonRising COVID-19 infections in New York this summer have underscored the importance of keeping updated on the latest guidance surrounding symptoms, antiviral treatments and updated vaccines, health officials said.
That includes key changes to how New Yorkers access — and how much they'll pay for — prescription antiviral pills, such as Pfizer's Paxlovid, as well as recently released details about the rollout of new COVID-19 vaccines for the fall and winter of 2024-2025.
What are the symptoms of the KP.3 COVID-19 variant?
The KP variant fueling most COVID-19 infections in New York and nationally causes similar symptoms to earlier strains. Those include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- New loss of taste or smell
- "Brain fog" (feeling less wakeful and aware)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, mild diarrhea, vomiting)
When to get COVID vaccine
New Yorkers concerned about rising COVID-19 infectious should consider getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine released last fall, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said on Saturday. He noted a standing order remains in effect that provides access to the shot at pharmacies.
"As people move indoors to escape the heat, (COVID-19) transmission does increase," he said in a statement, urging New Yorkers to improve indoor ventilation whenever possible during summer gatherings.
Federal health officials also noted new COVID-19 vaccines produced by Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer will become available in coming months for a public health rollout aimed at reducing severe cases during the upcoming fall and winter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month recommended everyone ages 6 and older receive a dose of the new 2024-25 vaccine when they become available.
Health officials have noted people should wait at least four months between COVID-19 vaccinations. Those at highest risk, such as people with cancer and weakened immune systems, can get an updated vaccine dose at least two months apart.
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Who is eligible to receive Paxlovid?
Anyone ages 12 and older who has symptoms and is at high risk for severe disease is eligible to receive a course of the Paxlovid medication.
Because so many common conditions, such as obesity, put people at risk for severe disease and because everyone over 50 is eligible regardless of health status, the majority of adults qualify for the antiviral drug.
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The treatment should be started within the first five days of symptoms, and eligible New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 should consult health providers regarding the medication, health officials said.
Merck's prescription molnupiravir antiviral drug, or Lagevrio, used for treating mild to modertate COVID-19 cases, is approved for ages 18 and older, according to the drugmaker.
Do I need to pay for Paxlovid?
After the drug hit the market more than two years ago, the federal government purchased millions of doses for the public to obtain for free. Similar to many programs that tapered with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Pfizer now distributes the drug.
Pfizer sells the drug for $1,390 for a five-day course. People with private insurance should get part of those charges covered. Patients on Medicare and Medicaid will get the drug free through the end of this year. Those without health insurance also can get the drug without charges through 2028 under an agreement the Biden administration reached with Pfizer.
For further details about accessing antiviral drugs, visit the federal website at treatments.hhs.gov or call the hotline at 1-800-232-0233.
How many people are receiving Paxlovid, updated COVID vaccines?
A National Institutes of Health study earlier this year of about 1 million people found that only 15% at risk for severe disease took a five-day course of the prescription medicine.
Of the patients who took Paxlovid, the medication reduced the risk of death by 73% and hospitalizations dropped 26%, showing the medicine is highly effective for people at risk of severe complications.
In New York, about 12% of the population, or nearly 1.4 million people, received the updated COVID-19 vaccine released last fall. The vaccine uptake was higher in Monroe County, with about 18% of the community getting the shot, as well as Westchester County, at nearly 14%.
Ken Alltucker and Karen Weintraub of USA TODAY contributed reporting.