The Fourth Wave of COVID-19 is Impacting Young People Severely

Just when it seemed like we might finally be able to go outside again (with masks and proper social distancing, of course) and reconnect with friends after receiving the vaccine (I got my single-dose shot last Saturday, so I have two weeks to go before I’m fully vaccinated), news has emerged that a fourth wave of COVID-19 is sweeping through the U.S. This development is enough to elevate anxiety levels regarding the reopening process.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has seen over 64,000 new cases in the last week, with children making up 20% of those cases, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Although new case numbers had decreased a couple of weeks ago, they have now surged back to around 10,000 daily. States like New York—particularly New York City—Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania are leading this fourth wave, which is certainly disrupting my peace of mind.

So, what’s driving the rise in COVID cases in the U.S.?

Despite 46 states planning to open vaccine eligibility to individuals aged 16 and older by May 1, health officials are urging continued caution. While 19% of the U.S. population is now fully vaccinated and 33% have received at least one dose, cases are increasing in half of the states. Moreover, the AAP reported that over 3.4 million children had tested positive for COVID-19 as of April 1, with around 64,000 new cases among children reported just last week.

The emergence of COVID variants is contributing to the spike in infections. Scientists have noted that many of these new strains, such as B.1.1.7, which originated in the United Kingdom, are more transmissible and virulent. The CDC states that the B.1.1.7 variant accounts for about 13% of new cases in Florida and 9% in New Jersey.

Regrettably, part of the problem stems from irresponsible behavior—some states, including Texas, Wyoming, Montana, Mississippi, North Dakota, and Iowa, have relaxed restrictions and removed mask mandates in public spaces. The false sense of security stemming from “vaccine optimism” has led unvaccinated individuals to gather indoors and neglect mask-wearing and social distancing.

So, should we be concerned about a fourth wave of COVID?

Absolutely. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky has expressed feelings of impending doom during a White House briefing, stating, “We have so much to look forward to… but right now, I’m scared.” The race against time grows more urgent as delays in vaccinations increase the risk of a fourth wave rather than isolated surges. Longer transmission times also give variants more opportunities to mutate and spread. Although the U.S. is administering over 2 million vaccinations daily—more than many countries—we still face challenges in achieving herd immunity, which many experts now believe may not be attainable.

“What we have seen before is that things really have a tendency to surge and to surge big,” Walensky cautioned. “For the health of our country, we must work together now to prevent a fourth surge.”

What We Can Do to Help

You already know what to do, but just a reminder:

Avoid non-essential outings.
Wear a mask properly covering your nose and mouth.
Maintain safe social distancing.
Wash your hands regularly.
Avoid touching your face.
Stay away from crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
If you meet up with others, opt for outdoor gatherings.
Get vaccinated.
Isolate if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

It’s been more than a year, and I understand the fatigue. We’re all tired of being cooped up or feel restricted by the need to meet outdoors. We long for life to return to how it was before and are frustrated with the current situation.

We all want to see friends, send our kids to school, and live life fully again. I get the COVID-19 fatigue; we all do. But let’s hang in there just a bit longer. If we all commit to the guidelines, we might just make it through this challenging time together.

For further insights, check out this other blog post here. Also, for expert resources on home insemination, visit Make A Mom and Women’s Health.

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Summary:

The fourth wave of COVID-19 is significantly impacting young people, with rising case numbers attributed to variants and irresponsible behavior around mask mandates and social distancing. Experts urge caution as vaccination efforts continue, emphasizing the importance of adhering to health guidelines to mitigate the spread.