COVID Cases Rising in Florida Ahead of Back-to-School Season
What we know:
Hillsborough County - The CDC is tracking a summer rise in COVID-19 cases across the U.S., with Florida showing some of the steepest increases.
Dr. Steven Goldberg, Chief Medical Officer of HealthTrackRx and a clinician at the University of Louisville Health, says emergency room visits, urgent care visits, and wastewater data in Hillsborough County have tripled over the past several weeks.
Two variants, Nimbus and Stratus, are driving the current wave:
- Nimbus: Accounts for 43% of cases nationwide and is linked to "razor blade throat" and other upper respiratory symptoms.
- Stratus: Brings fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and gastrointestinal complaints.
The other side:
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo has long questioned the need for COVID-19 boosters, recently urging federal agencies to expand research into possible vaccine-related injuries.
However, Dr. Goldberg says vaccines remain an important tool, particularly for seniors and children with chronic conditions—or those living with high-risk adults.
Why you should care:
With the back-to-school season approaching and more summertime travel, doctors warn that it’s not the time to let your guard down. Testing, staying home if sick, and considering the updated booster for vulnerable groups may help slow the spread.
The Source: This story is based on information from the CDC, Florida health data, and interviews with Dr. Steven Goldberg of HealthTrackRx and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.