COVID in Memphis: A New Normal

Memphis is seeing a bit of a wave in COVID-19 cases again, but the good news is we’re not in the same boat we were a few years ago. According to Dr. Michelle Taylor, the director of the Shelby County Health Department, the recent uptick in cases has taken on a new shape that’s more akin to other common respiratory viruses, like the flu and RSV. Instead of feeling like a crisis, it’s becoming more of a standard health issue that we’re learning to manage.

In her latest statements, Dr. Taylor pointed out that the levels of COVID being tracked in local wastewater have been on the rise since early June. We’re approaching numbers that resemble what we experienced this past winter. It’s a reminder that while we’ve made a lot of progress and adjusted our daily lives, we still need to keep an eye on the virus. “The wastewater is indicating that (COVID) cases have been rising, and it’s something we’re closely monitoring,” she said.

For residents in Shelby County, there’s no need to panic. The health department is making sure everyone has access to testing. They’ve rolled out free testing kits at all their clinics, which is encouraging for anyone who might be feeling under the weather and curious if they’ve caught the latest strain.

Dr. Nick Hysmith, another local health expert, echoed the notion that COVID has taken a more familiar path. “As we get more and more information about COVID-19, we’re beginning to see that it behaves more like other respiratory viruses. This could signify a shift toward an endemic model, making it more manageable in our daily lives,” he explained.

This shift to an endemic stage means that while COVID cases are fluctuating, they aren’t leading to the same level of hospitalizations and severe cases that we witnessed during the height of the pandemic. In fact, the Shelby County Health Department is reporting that most of the new cases are mild. So if someone catches COVID now, there’s a good chance it might resemble just another cold or flu.

Yet, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. “This isn’t the time to throw caution to the wind,” Dr. Taylor cautioned. It’s especially vital for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with existing health conditions, to take precautions to protect themselves.

With the school year just around the corner, parents are understandably concerned about how this uptick in COVID might affect their children. Dr. Shirin Mazumder emphasized the importance of keeping kids up to date with vaccinations. “We know that vaccinations significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, even with the new variants circulating. Parents should check their children’s vaccination status,” she advised.

As the virus evolves, so does our understanding of how to live with it. Local health authorities are encouraging folks to stay informed but also not to panic. Just like with flu season, it’s about managing symptoms and protecting yourself and your community. With a good number of people vaccinated and access to testing, Memphis is in better shape than before.

Meanwhile, local healthcare providers like hospitals and clinics are training their staff to distinguish between respiratory illnesses better to identify COVID cases promptly. Stephen Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist, remarked on how the community’s response has significantly improved. “We’re getting better at recognizing and treating these viruses, including COVID. The learning curve has prepared us to handle cases more effectively without overwhelming our healthcare system,” he assured.

So, what should everyday Memphians do now? If you’ve been feeling unwell, get tested! Symptoms of COVID often overlap with those of the common cold and the flu, so it’s always safer to check. Free testing kits are available widely, and you don’t have to feel embarrassed about wanting to make sure you’re not passing something on to others. Remember to wash your hands regularly, wear masks in crowded spaces, and keep an eye on your health.

The key message from health officials is to take this virus seriously but not to let it run your life. Just as we’ve learned to adapt with flu seasons, we can treat COVID as one of those respiratory illnesses we deal with yearly. While it might take some time to adjust to this new normal, we’re certainly in a much better position than we were a few years back.

In summary, Memphis is facing a rise in COVID cases that resembles other common respiratory viruses. Thanks to vaccinations and better health management practices, people are encouraged to stay informed and proactive rather than anxious. Together, we can navigate this new phase.