The Fourth Wave of COVID is Impacting Young People Severely

Just when we thought it was becoming safe to venture outside again (with masks and appropriate social distancing) and perhaps reconnect with friends following our vaccinations (I received my single-dose vaccine last Saturday, so I’m counting down the days until I’m fully vaccinated), news has emerged that a fourth wave of COVID-19 is sweeping across the U.S. This development is enough to heighten anxiety about reopening plans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 64,000 new cases were reported in the past week, with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) noting that 20% of those cases involved children. Although new cases had reached a low point a couple of weeks ago, they are now back up to around 10,000 daily. The hardest-hit areas include New York—especially New York City—along with Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. This latest wave is certainly disrupting my peace of mind.

Why Are COVID-19 Cases on the Rise?

So, why are COVID-19 cases on the rise in the U.S.? Despite 46 states preparing to expand vaccine eligibility to individuals aged 16 and older by May 1, health authorities are urging continued caution. Currently, 19% of the U.S. population (approximately 330 million people) is fully vaccinated, with 33% having received at least one dose, yet infection rates are climbing in half of the states. As of April 1, the AAP reported that over 3.4 million children have contracted COVID-19, with around 64,000 new cases in children noted in the previous week.

COVID variants are contributing to the surge in infections as well. Scientists indicate that many new strains of the virus, such as B.1.1.7, which was first identified in the UK, are more contagious and virulent. The CDC states that this particular strain accounts for about 13% of new cases in Florida and 9% in New Jersey.

Contributing Factors to the Surge

Unfortunately, the rise in cases can also be attributed to poor decisions made by individuals and state leaders alike. Some states—like Texas, Wyoming, Montana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Iowa—have relaxed restrictions and stopped enforcing mask mandates. Additionally, a misplaced sense of “vaccine optimism” has led some unvaccinated individuals to gather indoors and disregard safety measures, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

The Importance of Vigilance

As much as we may want life to return to normal, we need to remain vigilant. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky expressed her concerns during a recent White House briefing, stating, “We have so much to look forward to… but right now, I’m scared.” The longer we take to vaccinate the population, the more likely we are to see a fourth wave of infections rather than isolated surges. Variants will have more time to mutate if COVID transmission continues unchecked.

What Can We Do?

So, what can we do to help? You know the drill: limit non-essential outings, wear masks that cover both your nose and mouth, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and steer clear of crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. If you must meet others, opt for outdoor gatherings. Get vaccinated and isolate yourself if you show any COVID-19 symptoms.

It’s been more than a year, and the fatigue is real—we’re all feeling it. But hold on just a little longer, and maybe we can navigate through this difficult time together.

Additional Resources

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Summary:

The fourth wave of COVID-19 is significantly affecting young people, with new cases rising, particularly among children. Despite vaccination efforts, many states are relaxing restrictions, contributing to the surge. Experts stress the importance of caution and continuing safety measures to prevent further outbreaks.