SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — When you thought you would neglect about COVID-19, assume once more. There’s an uptick underway and plenty of count on circumstances to maintain going up in California and the Bay Space because the summer time progresses.ABC7 Information dug into the methods which may assist you skip getting sick with the brand new FLiRT variant.”We’re enjoying a greater sport of COVID roulette, one which’s extra in our favor now than it was 4 years in the past,” stated Dr. John Swartzberg with the UC Berkeley Faculty of Public Well being.RELATED: COVID-19 ‘FLiRT’ subvariants on the rise throughout the US. This is what to knowSo greatest hedge your bets in opposition to this new COVID variant referred to as FLiRT?For starters, information from wastewater samples from Santa Clara County present we’re experiencing a brand new peak of exercise right here within the Bay Space. COVID is spreading.”Wastewater is our sort of early warning system. It is one of the best we now have,” stated Dr. Swartzberg.When you’ve got chilly or flu signs now contemplate Dr. Swartzberg’s recommendation.”The assessments we purchase over-the-counter, the assessments we get at a physician’s workplace or pharmacy they work very properly for these FLiRT variants,” stated Dr. Swartzberg.A constructive consequence means you might have COVID however a destructive consequence does not put you within the clear. It’s important to check repeatedly and once more for those who’re destructive however really feel sick.RELATED: Small research exhibits a doable cause some lengthy COVID sufferers expertise ‘mind fog’As for masking up?”After I exit and about to my buying in Berkeley, after I’m on planes and in airports nowadays it is a very small proportion of people who find themselves carrying masks. I’d estimate 5%,” stated UC Berkeley Epidemiology professor Dr Arthur Reingold.The consultants agree carrying a superb masks does scale back your threat however it’s no assure. There are vaccines to contemplate.Based on the CDC, the 2023-2024 model of the vaccine can improve safety in opposition to symptomatic sickness by 54% even with the brand new variant. Only a few individuals obtained it in California, solely 36% of seniors are updated on the newest vaccine, 18% of these 50 to 64 years previous, and solely 10percentof adults below 50.The 2024-2025 model needs to be obtainable by September.RELATED: Moderna’s combo COVID and flu shot provides robust immunity in older adults throughout late stage trialSo do you get a vaccine now?It relies on your well being, your plans and underlying circumstances. Simply take into accout it’s important to wait a minimal of 4 months between vaccines.”I am most likely going to attend till the brand new variant booster that the FDA authorised not too long ago a pair weeks in the past turns into obtainable. I will be one of many first in line,” stated Dr Reingold.Identical to the flu, the height season for COVID is once more anticipated to be late fall and winter regardless of all of the circumstances circulating now.Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.