NAVIGATING SUMMER COVID-19 SURGES: PREVENTATIVE OPTIONS AND NEW TREATMENTS

With experts predicting increased COVID-19 activity late this summer—particularly in areas that experienced lower case numbers during the winter—health officials are urging the public not to let their guard down. COVID-19 continues to affect millions of Americans each year and remains more than just a standard cold.

To discuss the current summer landscape and a newly FDA-approved oral option, Dr. Charles Vega joined Coast to Coast.

Why COVID-19 Demands Continued Attention

Despite widespread “COVID-19 fatigue” among both the public and healthcare professionals, Dr. Vega stresses the importance of staying vigilant:

• High Transmission Rates: Current variants are highly contagious. If a member of your household has symptomatic COVID-19, your risk of contracting the virus is 47%.
• Long COVID Impact: Approximately 6% of U.S. adults report experiencing Long COVID, highlighting the long-term health risks associated with infection.
• Hospitalizations: Serious complications and hospitalizations continue to occur across the country.

Essential Defense Strategies

Managing the ongoing public health impact requires a combination of proven basics and proactive medical care:

1. Hygiene & Isolation: Regular handwashing remains essential. Anyone experiencing fever or a severe cough should stay home from work, school, and social gatherings to prevent spreading the virus.
2. Vaccination: Vaccines remain the primary and most effective line of defense against severe illness.

A New FDA-Approved Post-Exposure Option: Xocova (ensitrelvir)

Dr. Vega, partnering with Shionogi, highlighted a newly FDA-approved oral pill called Xocova (ensitrelvir) designed for post-exposure prophylaxis.

• What It Is: The first oral treatment indicated for preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection following an exposure.
• Who It Is For: Approved for individuals 12 years of age and older.
• Critical Timing: Treatment must be initiated within 72 hours of a known exposure—such as living with a symptomatic individual, or being exposed at work, school, or social events. The sooner, the better!
• Key Precautions: Xocova is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it may interact with certain medications. Always consult a healthcare provider through a phone call or patient portal before starting.

Meet Dr. Charles Vega

Dr. Charles Vega, MD, is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. He also serves as the Executive Director of UCI’s Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community. A board-certified family physician with decades of clinical experience, Dr. Vega specializes in primary care, chronic disease management, and community health. He is a nationally recognized medical educator, author, and public speaker dedicated to bridging clinical health research with practical, patient-centered primary care practices. As a California native and Harvard University graduate, he is committed to quality and compassionate medical care.

Background on Shionogi

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. is a leading global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, with more than 140 years of history developing targeted infectious disease treatments. Renowned for its focus on antiviral research and antibiotic development, Shionogi created Xocova (ensitrelvir)—a 3CL protease inhibitor designed to stop viral replication—to give healthcare providers a convenient, oral tool for managing post-exposure COVID-19 transmission.

Where to Learn More

To learn more about post-exposure options and health guidelines, visit xocova.com or contact your personal healthcare provider.

For more health alerts, expert medical advice, and lifestyle features, stay tuned to Coast to Coast with Heather Dawson.