Measurements of the COVID virus in wastewater have now quadrupled since their low point in June. But what does that mean?
Wastewater measurements are now about the same as they were at this time in both 2021 and 2022. In 2021 that led to a huge outbreak later in the year. In 2022 it led to nothing.
So there's no telling what will happen this year. I suppose the betting money says that 2023 is more similar to 2022 thanks to high vaccination and immunization rates. But you never know.
The new booster should have been available a month ago.
Probably a bunch of people getting mild symptoms, but little more due to widespread vaccination and immunity.
Even at the worst in 2020, over half of those who got Covid didn't have symptoms or they were so mild and brief they didn't think Covid was a possibility.
"I suppose the betting money says that 2023 is more similar to 2022 thanks to high vaccination and immunization rates."
Vaccination rates have been very low as very few have taken a booster shot this year. The rates are low in Europe as well with many countries allowing only those 65 and over to get another shot, with a few exceptions.
August 2020: 1,200 Covid deaths a day in the U.S.
August 2021: 2,200 Covid deaths a day (mRNA vaccines out for over six months)
August 2022: 400 Covid deaths a day
August 2023: 75 Covid deaths a day
(CDC data)
Your risk of post-acute sequelae (PASC / Long-CoViD) increases with each new infection.
More deaths, more long-term health issues, more people out of the workforce.
Anecdotal, I know, but three people our household who've never had Covid got it over the past 10 days. All three vaxxed and multi-boosted.
Nothing mild about our experience.