Coronavirus updates for Dec. 22: Here’s what to know in North Carolina this week

We’re tracking information about the coronavirus and vaccines in North Carolina. Check back every Thursday for updates.

16,000 new COVID cases reported

At least 16,373 new coronavirus cases were reported in North Carolina last week, up from 13,330 the week before, according to preliminary data from state health officials.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services also reported 843 new weekly COVID-19 hospital patient admissions, an increase from 722 the previous week, according to figures through Dec. 17, the most recent metrics available. The daily average of adult coronavirus patients in intensive care was 95, compared to 81 the week before.

The figures were released Wednesday, Dec. 21, about nine months after health officials started adjusting information on their coronavirus dashboard and publishing weekly COVID-19 data. The figures had been updated almost every day.

Roughly 78% of adults in North Carolina have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and about 73% have finished an initial round of vaccine doses. Of the state’s total population, about 63% finished their initial round and about 67% have received at least one dose. State officials round vaccination metrics to the nearest whole number.

“Out of all people who have finished their initial vaccines in North Carolina, 59% have been vaccinated with at least one booster, and 19% with an updated omicron booster,” the health department wrote on its website.

Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get boosted, as data shows it offers increased protection against the omicron coronavirus variant. Across the state, many new COVID-19 cases were attributed to the omicron variant’s “lineages” in the two weeks leading up to Dec. 10, the latest time period for which data is available.

NC researchers study COVID-related loss of smell

Some people continue to experience a loss of smell long after getting a COVID-19 infection, and North Carolina researchers may have figured out why.

A team at Duke studied two dozen tissue samples and reported finding that people who had lost their smell long-term had inflammation in part of their noses.

“I’m not talking about sort of this rip-roaring, severe nasal inflammation where you’re super congested, blowing your nose and feeling like you’re sick,” said Dr. Bradley Goldstein, a neuroscientist. “It’s more at a local microscopic level.”

The findings could give way to drug options and treatment for other lingering COVID-19 symptoms.

“Long COVID can affect lots of different organs in our body,” he said. “It’s possible that a very similar process is happening in those other places.”

Read more about the COVID-releated research here.

NC doctor shares face mask advice ahead of holidays

The COVID-19 virus, RSV and the flu continue to spread, making for a tough season for respiratory illnesses.

But as winter holidays approach, should you wear a face mask? People who have underlying conditions should think about putting on masks if they gather outside their normal circles, according to Dr. David Weber, the medical director of the Department of Infection Prevention at UNC.

“You can absolutely mask up while traveling, but that’s not your greatest risk to catching and spreading these diseases,” Weber said. “It’s all about what you’re doing after you get where you need to go. Spending time in large crowds, eating and mingling together in a close environment. That’s what’s going to put you at the most risk.”

People also are urged to wash their hands and take other preventative measures, as COVID-19 is believed to pose the highest risk among the three illnesses, The News & Observer reported on Dec. 20.

Dual tests for flu and COVID offered in Charlotte

Tests that check for flu and COVID-19 at the same time are now available in the Charlotte area.

Each test uses a single nose swab to find out if a person has COVID-19 or influenza A or B, The Charlotte Observer reported on Dec. 16.

The dual tests are available at Carolina Pharmacy locations as well as Rapid Diagnostics on Lancaster Highway. Details about making testing appointments are available here.

The new tests are being offered as COVID-19, RSV, flu and the common cold can cause symptoms that are similar to one another. It can be difficult to determine what’s making you sick without a test.

Newer subvariants ‘most resistant’ to COVID treatments, vaccines

As the latest booster shots target the omicron coronavirus variant, researchers have found newer subvariants are the “most resistant” to those COVID-19 vaccines as well as the original shots.

The subvariants BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB and XBB.1 also showed resistance to antibody drugs used to treat COVID-19, according to results published Dec. 13.

“It is alarming that these newly emerged subvariants could further compromise the efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines and result in a surge of breakthrough infections, as well as re-infections,” researchers wrote.

A team from Columbia University and the University of Michigan conducted the research, which involved collecting blood samples from several groups, including those who had been vaccinated or had a breakthrough infection.

Read more details about the research on subvariants here.

NC launches free virtual appointment program for COVID patients

A new North Carolina program is offering free virtual medical appointments for COVID-19 patients.

The telehealth program is available for those who test positive for COVID-19, regardless of insurance coverage. Through a partnership with StarMed Healthcare, state health officials say they aim to reach residents before they get too sick.

“People who test positive for COVID-19, particularly those who are uninsured or don’t have a primary care doctor, will have better access to treatments,” the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said, according to The News & Observer.

Those interested in scheduling appointments can call 704-941-6000 or visit starmed.care/nc.

Another round of at-home COVID tests available

With coronavirus cases on the rise nationwide, another round of free at-home COVID-19 tests is now available.

Starting Dec. 15, each U.S. household can request a batch of four rapid antigen tests. The test kits are being sent in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service, McClatchy News reported.

“Orders for this round of testing will begin to ship starting the week of December 19th and continue in the weeks ahead,” the White House said in a news release.

Those interested in ordering the free test kits can visit covidtests.gov or call 800-232-0233.

Health experts urge people to get tested after exposure to someone who has tested positive, before gathering with others and while experiencing symptoms.

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