If symptoms appear in high-risk groups due to the resurgence of COVID-19, they should be tested immediately

By Jongho, Jang

Aug 21, 2024

If symptoms appear in high-risk groups due to the resurgence of COVID-19, they should be tested immediately
data photo source=Pixabay



COVID-19, which had been quiet for more than a year, has recently continued to spread. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients increased more than nine-fold from 148 in the second week of July to 1,359 in the second week of August. The number of children has also increased significantly in the past two weeks, increasing 2.8 times. The spread of COVID-19 is expected to continue for the time being as the time spent indoors in the summer has increased and contact and movement have increased during the summer vacation season.

The virus that is re-emerging this time is KP.3, a sub-variant of Omicron, which has the characteristic of avoiding existing immunity through mutations. However, it is known that there is no significant difference in severity or fatality rate compared to the previous one.

Considering that only sample tests are conducted after the declaration of the pandemic, it is estimated that there will be more hidden infections. In addition, as the quarantine obligation has been changed to a recommendation when COVID-19 is confirmed, the number of tests has decreased, and there seems to be a lot of transmission between infected people.



Choi Won-seok, a professor of infectious diseases at Korea University's Ansan Hospital, recommended that "there are many patients who do not test even if they have symptoms because the current way they treat COVID-19 has changed. In particular, there are cases in which elderly high-risk groups are diagnosed with COVID-19 later, so high-risk groups should be tested immediately if symptoms such as coughing and fever occur."

In order to prevent COVID-19, ▲Cough etiquette practice ▲Washing your hands properly ▲Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands ▲Ventify frequently indoors to adhere to existing prevention rules.



Professor Choi emphasized that "the existing prevention methods remain unchanged in relation to the resurgence of COVID-19" and that "especially high-risk groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised people are still dangerous, so it is recommended to wear a mask if possible in crowded and enclosed rooms to prevent infection."

If symptoms appear in high-risk groups due to the resurgence of COVID-19, they should be tested immediately
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