Twice last week, Michigan had 2% of its emergency department and urgent care visits result in a COVID-19 diagnosis.
That might sound insignificant, but it was the first time the coronavirus was that present in local hospitals since mid-February. In fact, the state is one of 16 with at least a 10% week-over-week increase, according to CDC data.
Michigan is in the midst of a summer surge of infections, much like this time last year. However, the waves are much calmer than they were during the pandemic.
“We’re not seeing the constellation of symptoms and tragic presentation from years past,” noted Dr. Jennifer Stevenson, an emergency medicine doctor at Henry Ford Health. “Overall, COVID has mutated into a virus that’s far less dangerous than it was in the beginning.”
Michigan is reporting about 441 cases and one death from COVID per day, according to state health department data from last week.
The 3,520 cases reported the week of Aug. 3 marks the highest point since Feb. 24. Last year’s summer surge continued into late September, hitting 5,369 cases in a week before an October decline.
Because testing isn’t as official as the first years of the pandemic, case counts don’t accurately depict viral spread. Many people rely on at-home testing to determine if they’ve been infected, and don’t report their case.
That’s where the state relies on other data, like emergency room COVID diagnoses, deaths, and wastewater surveillance.
Michigan’s 2% of emergency room visitors having COVID falls just shy of the national average (2.3%). The northern Lower Peninsula (4%) and Metro Detroit (3%) regions are highest in the state.
At the Dearborn hospital where Stevenson works, she’s primarily seeing people hospitalized with COVID who have other conditions like congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
Symptoms vary widely. Some people experience cold-like symptoms like a cough and congestion, while others experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Stevenson said she’s not seeing as many fever reports from COVID as in the past.
Heading into August, COVID deaths were down considerably compared to the same time last year. There were 15 reported the week ending July 27, and 13 the week ending Aug. 3.
For those who test positive, Stevenson said the recommendation is more common sense and to be considerate, rather than a steadfast rule. Avoid others when you feel sick. Be mindful of your interactions with vulnerable populations. Wear a mask if you have to be around others while you’re feeling sick.
The CDC still suggests returning to normal activities after symptoms are improving overall, and after being without fever for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.
Stevenson said five days remains a useful period to avoid others, especially if you’re symptomatic. It’s not necessary to continue testing for a negative result after that time before returning to normal activities.
“What’s going to guide us is symptoms and how we’re feeling,” she said. “You’re likely not the risk (to others) then if your symptoms have resolved.”
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Publish date : 2024-08-14 13:09:00
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