Although California’s state of emergency ended, COVID-19 did not go away. You can still get COVID-19 in 2023, and it can still make you very sick.
That said, there’s no need to panic. With an updated vaccine, more treatment options and greater access to testing, COVID-19 isn’t what it used to be. There are plenty of resources available to help you recover if you get sick and precautions you can take to reduce your risk of illness.
Are COVID-19 Cases Rising in California in 2023?
COVID-19 cases are not rising in California at the moment. There was a summer “bump” where cases increased in August, but they’ve declined. The current test positivity rate is 6.5% — a 6.7% decrease from mid-August.
These numbers will continue to change as some months will have more cases than others, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
Experts expect COVID-19 cases to rise again in the winter, like they have in previous years. There are things you can do now, though, to prepare for the winter surge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine to prevent severe illness.
What Are COVID-19 Symptoms in 2023?
COVID-19 symptoms have mostly stayed the same in 2023. Omicron subvariants are still responsible for most COVID-19 cases in California and the United States at large.
The newest subvariant, HV.1, is on the rise. Experts expect the variant JN.1 to also increase in the coming months. Currently, most cases in California are the EG.5 variant. The virus will continue to mutate and produce new strains, just like other viruses.
Omicron variants tend to spread faster and be milder than previous strains. However, the virus can still cause severe disease, especially in older individuals and those with underlying medical conditions.
So far, getting COVID-19 in 2023 means having symptoms similar to other upper respiratory infections. Symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Get Tested for COVID-19 Today
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it’s crucial to get tested as soon as possible. We also recommend getting tested if you’ve been exposed to the virus or plan to be around others at high risk of severe illness from the disease.
The sooner you realize you have COVID-19, the sooner you can get treatment to keep the illness from getting worse. You’ll also know to isolate yourself to prevent the spread of the virus.
We’re here for you at Modern Urgent Care. We are one of the few urgent care clinics in Central Valley still offering fast, reliable COVID-19 tests. Book your appointment to get tested at our Stockton, Ceres or Manteca location today.
