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Over the last several weeks, Covid-19 infections have been on the rise. The pattern is being recognized nationwide, attributed to a new variant called “Stratus” in media reports.

But according to one local health official, the Valley is struggling with a different, but related variant.

The new Omicron variant “Nimbus” is seeing a rise in cases in the Valley, leading to calls from the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) reminding residents to get vaccinated, not just for Covid-19, but for other annual fall and wintertime illnesses.

“Covid is definitely a wintertime infection, definitely during the fall and winter months we see a lot of issues, just like we do with the flu and RSV and other wintertime viruses,” said FCDPH Interim Health Director Dr. Rais Vohra. “But covid also seems to have a summer peak — maybe not as dramatic as the winter peak — but that may be what’s going on.”

Vohra suggested that seasonal factors, including social behaviors, may contribute to the spread.

“I’m already taking a deep breath and saying to myself that I’m not going to be surprised if in a week or two I’m starting to hear about school kids and their parents and grandparents catching some of these germs just because we know that’s what happens,” he said. “Kids come together, they’re indoors during many hours of the day and that’s where viruses can really take advantage and spread.”

 

 

Vohra added that the hot weather driving people inside also has the potential to drive up infection rates, with people packed indoors to escape the heat leading to higher chances for transmission.

He also added that the heat’s effect on the body, combined with social interaction, can lead to reduction in immunity, causing numbers to potentially increase.

Despite a pullback in mandated testing and monitoring from federal, state and local levels, Fresno County continues wastewater monitoring efforts, tracking strains and variants to determine which is most common. Currently, the FCDPH has noted an uptick in the Omicron strain known as “Nimbus,” — a highly-contagious strain of Covid-19 that is able to be combatted by vaccinations and boosters.

Vohra said that while the strain appears to be highly infectious, not everyone will experience the same, or even severe, symptoms. Those with compromised immune systems and the elderly remain most at risk.

Those infected with Covid-19, specifically those who are showing symptoms, Vohra said, should continue to isolate and practice multiple forms of protection, combining masking with self-isolating and vaccinations to achieve the most protection possible.

“The best thing you can do is stay home if you are symptomatic, don’t cough and sneeze all over your loved ones, wear a mask if you do have to be out in public,” he said, noting that free COVID tests are available at the health department.

For employers and employees struggling with staffing issues during the increase in numbers, Vohra urges the importance of patience and flexibility.

“Be flexible,” he said. “Be creative, and remember the layers of protection.”

Masking, immunization, social distancing and outdoor activities are all part of those layers. “We know that these are the ways that we can keep the most amount of people safe, but also functioning.”

The FCDPH will host flu shot clinics throughout the county this fall. Vohra urged residents to get vaccinated.

“Immunizations are a tried and true — almost medical miracle-level — of intervention that are going to keep thousands and thousands of people safe, but we do need people in Fresno County to think about getting their shots and then get their shots this fall,” he said.