The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, but the virus threat is not over. While covid hospitalizations and deaths have declined, variants of the virus continue to circulate in the population, and those with other health concerns or compromised immune systems are still at risk. In addition, some people who survived covid earlier in the pandemic have yet to fully recover.
The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) report published Aug. 4 showed an increase in new COVID-19 cases in Florida over the past 10 weeks, with 5,423 cases reported the week of May 26 and 15,170 cases reported the week of July 28.
FDOH reported 32 COVID-19 deaths in Florida the week of July 28-Aug. 3, 2023 and a total of 89,565 COVID-19 deaths in Floria since the start of the pandemic.
While 72% of Floridians over the age of 6 months have been vaccinated with at least one shot, less than half of those vaccinated received the booster shot.
For the week of July 29-Aug. 3:
Some who contracted COVID-19 earlier in the pandemic are still suffering from the virus. The federal government has reported efforts to seek a cure for those suffering from Long COVID.
“As our nation continues to make strides in combating COVID-19, it is crucial that we address the impact of Long COVID and provide resources to those in need,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on July 31.
“The Office of Long COVID Research and Practice will enhance efforts being undertaken across the U.S. government to improve the lives of those who continue to experience the long-term impacts of the worst public health crisis in a century,” said Adm Rachel Levine, M.D. “Bringing together the resources and expertise of federal, state, and local partners, patients, providers, researchers, and the business sector to answer the American peoples most urgent calls to action.”
More than 200 symptoms are associated with long COVID, and the condition can cause problems throughout the body, affecting nearly all body systems including the nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, autonomic, and immune systems.
“Throughout the pandemic, some people with COVID-19 have experienced new or lasting symptoms beyond their initial infection. These long-term effects of COVID-19 are known as Long COVID. Estimates vary, but research suggests roughly 5 to30% of people infected with COVID-19 are impacted by Long COVID and its associated conditions. Through the Health+ Long COVID Report we heard directly from Long COVID patients. Patients like Tara whose journey to find treatment illuminated opportunities for improvement in areas like health care delivery, technology, and public policy,” the HHS website explains.
“For people like Tara, a participant in the Human-Centered Design approach and a recent graduate and theater producer living with Long COVID, these symptoms can have a serious impact on day-to-day life. ‘[Long COVID] is a change in how I have to live my life,’ Tara said. ‘I can’t conform to the traditional nine-to-five in the same way anymore, because my body is prioritizing healing over everything else.’
“Research into Long COVID continues across government, academic, and public sectors,” the website explains.
According to HHS, while covid hospitalizations and deaths have slowed, Americans should continue to take precautions against transmission of disease and take advantage of vaccine boosters when they are available.
Precautions include:
