COVID Swell Expected in San Francisco Ahead of New Booster – NBC Bay Area

Health experts in San Francisco confirm that there has been an increase in COVID cases in recent weeks and the trend will continue, with test positivity, hospitalizations and emergency room visits all increasing.

It is characterized more as a swell than a rise ahead of the release of a new booster expected in September.

The seven-day average of new cases in San Francisco is 38 per July 24, according to the city’s public health website. This average was in the high 20s in mid-July and crept up in the third week.

UCSF expert in infectious diseases, Dr. Peter Chin Hong, says in terms of the number of cases, it is far lower than what has been seen in the past three years. But, he says, omicron and its subvariants are still out there, and people should continue to be careful.

“In terms of the pattern of the last few months, we don’t expect there to be very big changes, but rather very gradual changes, so the vaccine that comes out in September should be a really good match,” Chin Hong said.

Chin Hong suggests the following:

• Immunocompromised or elderly patients should have a conversation with their clinician about whether or not they need a booster.
• Have a paxlovid plan and know if you have drug interactions with paxlovid.
• Carry a mask around and use it if necessary.

Relatively healthy people can wait until September to get the booster, but those who need special considerations should consider getting the vaccine that’s out now. Vaccines are guaranteed at least until the end of the year in California.