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COVID Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most.

We don't typically associate hot weather with viral illnesses, but COVID has thwarted that in recent years. This summer seems to be no exception: Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that COVID test positivity rates and emergency room visits are steadily rising, especially along both coasts.

The culprit: the FLiRT variants. This family of variants, which evolved from omicron, took off in the spring. Now, they account for over 50% of infections.

According to Dr. Robert H. Hopkins, Jr., the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this year's summer wave got an early start ― and it doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. "I suspect it's going to increase," Hopkins told HuffPost. "It seems like we're seeing more and more states showing increased levels of activity."

Here's what to know about the summer COVID spike:

What's up with the new FLiRT variants?

The FLiRT variants are offshoots of JN.1, which was the dominant variant in the U.S. This past winter.

This family of variants appears to be very contagious, thanks to mutations in the spike protein that may improve the virus's ability to bind to human cells. "When we look at their molecular profile, some of those mutations potentially could allow the [virus] to escape from previous immunity," Hopkins explained.

According to Dr. Nikhil Bhayani, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, one variant in particular is gaining steam right now: KP.3. It's currently responsible for roughly 25% of cases.

Two other variants in the FLiRT family, KP.2 and KP.1.1, make up 22.5% and 7.5% of infections, respectively. Research from Japan found that KP.2, the dominant variant this past spring, was more transmissible than its predecessors and potentially better at outsmarting our vaccines.

Fortunately, it doesn't seem like the illness will be any different with the FLiRT variants, according to Hopkins. He suspects they'll trigger the typical COVID symptoms: Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, body aches and, though less common these days, loss of taste and smell.

The increase in cases also doesn't appear to be causing an uptick in hospitalizations. "There's no evidence they're more severe than what we've been dealing with," Hopkins said.

What concerns experts about this wave of infections?

We've seen summertime increases in COVID infections every year during the pandemic, according to Hopkins, so this isn't too out of the ordinary. What does alarm him, however, is how early we're seeing the summer wave kick off this year.

According to Aubree Gordon, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Michigan Center for Infectious Disease Threats & Pandemic Preparedness in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, variants gain traction when they evolve to evade the immunity we achieved through past infections and vaccinations.

The current wave is "probably predominately [caused] by those changes in the virus that are probably resulting in it being able to better get around preexisting immunity," Gordon told HuffPost.

It doesn't help that it's likely been a while since many people were last vaccinated. In May, the CDC revealed that only 22% of adults had received an updated COVID shot since it was released in September 2023.

This dip in immunity, combined with the FLiRT variants' advantageous mutations, could be fueling the spread. Recent gatherings marking the start of summertime, including Memorial Day Weekend and Father's Day, may be contributing, too, according to Hopkins. It's known, after all, that social gatherings are a huge source of disease transmission.

Is now a good time to get a booster shot?

It's expected that all main vaccine manufacturers will have an updated shot available in the fall that, most likely, will target the KP.2 strain. If you're wondering whether you should get another jab now or hold off until the new booster's here, know this: There's really no wrong time to get a booster shot, Bhayani said.

While the updated shot will likely better target circulating strains, the currently available vaccines will likely still provide good protection against getting sick, and more important, winding up in a hospital or dying, research suggests.

The timing of your next dose depends on your overall health and when you got your previous booster or were last infected. In general, health experts recommend spacing doses out by at least four months.

If you were infected or got vaccinated in the past few months, it might make the most sense to hold off until the new shot's out later this year, Gordon said. "I'd recommend they delay vaccination just because they're not going to benefit from it too much at this point," she said.

That said, Hopkins recommends that people 65 and older who didn't receive the latest vaccine to go out and get another shot now. The same goes for people who are immunocompromised and haven't had a shot in the past two months.

"Why take a chance with this current surge if we've got something that is going to reduce your severity of illness?" Hopkins said.

Here's what to do if you get COVID this summer.

If you contract COVID, it's a good idea to first test yourself at home with an antigen test. If your test is negative, Hopkins recommended testing yourself again in 24 hours because it can take a few days for the virus to become detectable in your sinuses.

If you're concerned about your symptoms, reach out to your primary care physician or visit an urgent care to get a PCR test ― these are more sensitive and catch a higher percentage of cases.

Older adults, people who are immunocompromised and those with chronic illnesses face a higher risk of severe disease. Hopkins advised anyone in these groups to contact a health care provider as soon as they feel sick. There are effective oral antivirals ― Paxlovid and molnupiravir ― that can shorten the duration of your illness and reduce the severity of it. But here's the kicker: They work best when given within five days after symptoms appear.

As for otherwise healthy individuals who test positive, the same tried-and-true measures still work well. Acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce a fever, nasal sprays alleviate congestion, drinking fluids prevents dehydration and getting plenty of rest will aid your overall recovery, Hopkins said.

Finally, keep a distance from other people for five days or until your symptoms are improving. If you do go out, the CDC recommends masking up until the 11th day of your sickness.

These new variants might be adept at skirting our immunity, but getting another booster shot and wearing a high-quality mask in crowded spaces are still the very best ways to stay healthy this summer.

What Are Saddle Sores—and How Do You Get Rid Of Them?

You might have saddle sores if you've ever noticed that your butt and private parts are hurting after a spin class. Saddle sores are painful lesions that develop on the butt and genital areas after a spin class or cycling. Some of the most common causes of saddle sores include chafing, folliculitis, or ulcerations. These lesions typically occur as a result of skin rubbing and sweating.

You can treat these lesions at home with petroleum jelly, antiseptic agents like benzoyl peroxide, and rest. It's important to rest for a few days after spinning or cycling and wear breathable clothing to prevent saddle sores.

At-home cycling bikes like the Peloton are popular and convenient when you don't feel like going to the gym. It's essential to understand how to protect your skin from issues that can occur while spinning. 

The vulva, buttocks, and inner thighs come into close contact with bike saddles. Spinning likely impacts these body parts due to friction and moisture, making the skin more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity. Saddle sores start as chafing, folliculitis, or ulcerations and develop into a severe scrape or infection. It's important to avoid trying to pop or extract the sores, which can create inflammation and introduce bacteria. People commonly misidentify that part of their bodies. These cycling skin issues can occur in the vulvar region, not the vagina. The vulva includes the external biologically female genitals, including clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. Chafing One of the most common skin conditions from cycling is chafing. Chafing occurs when the skin rubs against other skin, clothing, or other materials. This irritation usually presents as red, itchy, or painful-to-the-touch skin. Furuncles and Folliculitis Another problem cyclists can face is folliculitis and furuncles. These conditions look like a sudden acne breakout but are skin infections that start in the hair follicles. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed from a mixture of pressure, friction, and bacteria. Furuncles, or boils, are fluid-filled, swollen bumps that are often pinkish-red and tender. Boils are most often caused by the bacteria S. Aureus. This infection can turn into a cyst over time. These conditions are more likely to occur when the skin is damp and hot, like during a cycling class. The hair follicles can be damaged by: Shaving Skin rubbing on skin Touching or rubbing the skin Wearing tight clothing Ulcerations Ulcerations can occur if chafing removes the top layer of skin. You may develop an ulceration from the pressure of your body on the bike saddle. An ulceration increases the risk of a bacterial infection if it's left untreated. Anyone can develop saddle sores from skin rubbing and sweating from a spin class or cycling. Some people might have a higher risk of saddle sores, including those who: Don't change positions while cycling Expose the skin to the bike saddle  Have a higher body weight Wear ill-fitting clothing Applying a warm compress and unmedicated ointments can help relieve saddle sores. Other ways to treat saddle sores at home include:  Apply a product with zinc oxide: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties. Look for items that list zinc oxide as an active ingredient, such as medicated baby powder or creams. Keep in mind that trying to scrub these products off could cause more irritation. Take a break from cycling: It might help to skip spinning for a few days to reduce inflammation and irritation. Research has found that the skin barrier may become less protective by removing the natural barrier (the hair) meant to protect it. Try a benzoyl peroxide rinse: Rinse the area with benzoyl peroxide, available over the counter, several times per week. This antiseptic agent gets rid of bacteria in the hair follicles and skin. Use petroleum jelly: This can protect the chafed area as it heals. Saddle sores typically go away with home remedies and rest. Contact a healthcare provider if you still have skin irritation or inflammation from spinning within one week, even after treating them at home. You'll also want to talk to a healthcare provider if folliculitis, furuncles, or ulcerations become infected. They can drain fluid-filled lesions and prescribe antibiotics. Signs of an infection include: Build-up of fluid Fever Pain or discomfort Red streaks that extend from the lesion Here are some ways to decrease your risk of chafing, folliculitis, and ulcerations that cause saddle sores: Apply petroleum jelly: Some evidence suggests applying a barrier cream before you ride to reduce the impact of friction. Check your bike measurements: It's important to set up your handlebar and seat height correctly to prevent skin irritation and inflammation. Make sure nothing is too high or low. That's so you can distribute your weight evenly and put less pressure on the butt and genital areas. Avoid "pounding" your body back on the seat when coming down from a standing position. Remove your workout clothes after a ride: Wet clothing is a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Staying in them after a workout only increases the risk of having issues in the butt and genital areas. Wear breathable clothing: Clothing plays an important role in preventing skin conditions. Choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing that fits appropriately. Investing in padded shorts or a padded bike saddle can also reduce the impact of friction. Cycling is a good workout, but look out for saddle sores. Skin conditions like chafing, folliculitis, and ulcerations can cause saddle sores. You may need to take a break from cycling if you experience any problems with your skin. Try switching up the clothing you wear and using petroleum jelly or baby powder on the butt and genital areas. 

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Pet Talk: Understanding The Season Of Summer Sores In Horses

With the notorious summer heat creeping back in, horse owners may begin to worry about the sores their equine friends can develop during the scorching season.

Dr. Dustin Major, a clinical assistant professor of large animal surgery at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, offers insight for horse owners on summer sores and the potential parasitic harm they can bring to horses during the warmer months.

The Site Of The Crime

Cutaneous habronemiasis, or summer sores, are the result of a parasitic infection that occurs when the life cycle of stomach worms — such as Habronema muscae, Habronema major or Draschia megastoma — is disrupted.

In the typical life cycle, these worms harmlessly pass through the horse's digestive tract, and their eggs are excreted by the horse. After hatching into larvae, they are ingested by maggots within the manure. Once the maggot has matured into a fly, the parasite then uses the fly as a means of transportation, continuing the cycle as the larvae are dropped off into the mouth of the horse, making their way into the stomach where their life initially began.

Where things go awry is when the fly carrying the parasitic larvae is drawn to a moist membrane such as the eyes or an open wound; if a larva is dropped in one of these vulnerable areas, it can burrow into the horse in search of their intended home — the horse's stomach — leaving the horse with a painful, itchy sore.

"It's important to understand that horses that develop summer sores do so because they have an increased inflammatory response to these larvae, so horses that are prone to making summer sores are more likely to experience this reaction," Major explained.

What To Look For

Sores that appear on a horse's eye, mouth corners, lips, sheath, urethra or open wound are easily noticeable and unable to heal without veterinary care.

Major said it is easy to mistake summer sores for other infections, but they have one distinction — yellow spots known as sulfur granules. Sulfur granules appear as small, yellow and hard particles within the granulation tissue of the ulcerated area.

"These wounds typically appear as round-to-irregular ulcerative sores with unhealthy-looking granulation tissue within them," Major said. "They tend to be mildly painful and can be extremely itchy, to the point that some horses will self-traumatize by rubbing the sore."

Major encourages owners to contact their veterinarian as soon as a sore appears to help determine if it is a summer sore or a symptom of a separate infection.

"Here in the Southern U.S., another rule-out for lesions like this is pythiosis — more commonly known as Swamp Cancer — which is an infection involving an aggressive fungal-like organism that has a poor prognosis," Major explained. "A biopsy of the lesion is often indicated to rule out this disease as well as cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma or sarcoids."

Prevention And Treatment

Summer sore prevention begins at the core of the issue — flies.

"Fly control is vital in the summer and key to preventing summer sores," Major said. "This can include barn sprayer systems, fly predators, feed-through products, picking feces out of stalls and paddocks, and using fly masks and fly sheets.

"Additionally, horses that are susceptible to the development of summer sores may benefit from additional deworming with an avermectin product (e.G., ivermectin) during fly season to limit the larvae within the horse and environment," he said.

Treatment typically includes the prescription of a steroid and triple antibiotic ointment for topical application, which can be used on early lesions.

"However, debridement, or removal of the infected tissue, is often necessary, in which case veterinary intervention would be indicated," Major explained.

Major also said it is crucial to keep your veterinarian updated on the horse's recovery, or lack thereof, to avoid prolonged treatment and further debilitation of the horse's health.

"When in doubt, it's much better to have the vet out early, because more complicated lesions can be difficult to clear up and often require multiple debridements, if not more significant surgical intervention," Major added.

With ample knowledge and the ability to correctly identify summer sores, horses can be treated at home when the festering sore is spotted early on by their vigilant owner. Ensuring your horse remains free of summer sores this season is key to a healthy and happy summer for all.

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