However, they may be useful if secondary bacterial infections. Other symptoms, though, can be cough, congestion in the chest, kind of feeling a little fatigued, and maybe even some abdominal issues. Our doctors define difficult medical language in easy-to-understand explanations of over 19,000 medical terms. Remedies for coughing to relieve symptoms, thin mucus, and clear phlegm include cough syrup and honey in hot water. Spector's research finds that earlier symptoms, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough and loss of smell, "have dropped out of the top five" of the most common Covid-19 symptoms. "What we've been seeing in the last month is very much a change in the symptoms," said Tim Spector, a professor of epidemiology at King's College London. Bronchitis is often associated with persistent, naggingcoughswith mucus. Maximizing fit for cloth and medical procedure masks to improve performance and reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure. Common colds are back as people start to gather, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What can I do to protect myself and my loved ones?. The other patient had rapid symptom cessation but persistent viral RNA detection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Find out if it affects the baby and how to take care of yourself. Its like one minutea child is playing or an adult is working and the next minute its thatfeeling like you got hit by a Mack truck., In contrast, the other viral illnesses tend to come on more slowly, she says. COVID-19 data tracker weekly review. You can drastically decrease your odds of contracting the flu by getting a flu shot. The impacts of upper and lower respiratory symptoms on the clinical outcomes were compared. Finally, with the rise of variants (Omicron) and any potential variants of concern thereafter, stay up to date on CDC guidelines for testing and care. If you have COVID-19, don't attempt to take any medications or substances that aren't FDA approved or authorized. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that begins in the upper airways and can quickly progress to infections in the lower respiratory tract, causing severe illness. COVID-19 is the most common viral infection causing illness severe enough to require hospitalization for those who are not vaccinated. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in 2019. Bronchitis may also be caused by a bacterial infection or irritation caused bycigarettesmoke or air pollutants. Remdesivir for the treatment of covid-19 final report. If you take treatments not recommended by your doctor, you could become seriously ill or even die. How long is a cold contagious? Our respiratory system is divided into two main parts: Upper and lower respiratory systems. Aches? One of the hallmarks of the COVID-19 infection is the loss of smell and taste. . In infants and elderly, symptoms tend to be more severe, and can include fevers and wheezing. The COVID-19 test is completed with a swab that is placed deep inside your nose or throat. Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection, known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. 1. COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are respiratory infections caused by different viruses. According to a 2021 study, around 2 in 10 people with acute COVID-19 report chest symptoms after recovering. Sepsis, another possible complication of COVID-19, can also cause lasting harm to the lungs and other organs. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Bacterial infection occurs in less than 10% of cases of acute bronchitis. The following article is designed to answer the following question. Usually, a low blood oxygen level causes symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. Common cold symptoms, which generally affect the upper respiratory system, typically peak at one to three days and last seven to 10 days. This can include 15 minutes at a given time or over a 24-hour period. However, another type of testingone that requires a blood test and that you may not know abouthas been around nearly the whole time. If you test positive, your doctor may recommend that you receive antibodies. We've detected your location as Mumbai. A cold is caused by a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways [6] . Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, registered nurse; president, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). However, now it seems that there are multiple enemies, with the emergence of variants like Delta and Omicron. Terms of Use. Therefore, an infection of the upper respiratory tract most often includes the common cold, tonsillitis, a sinus infection, laryngitis and the flu, which cause mild symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, muscle pain, etc. Types of upper respiratory infection include the common cold (head cold), the mild flu, tonsillitis, laryngitis, and sinus infection. palpitations. readmore 03 /5 Which . If positive, isolate immediately and stay home for at least five days. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses named for their corona-like shape. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. The upper respiratory tract consists of the nose, nasal cavity and the pharynx, whereas the lower respiratory tract is associated with the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs. Remember, a healthcare provider will decide the best course of treatment for you. Initially when the variant emerged, experts were concerned about its heavy mutations and its ability to dodge vaccine-induced immunity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Early symptoms and signs for a cold and the flu are similar, however, flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. The concern is that each has overlapping symptoms, and all are arriving together. How then can you tell if you haveCOVID-19 or the common cold? While a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is not yet available, several candidate vaccines are in development. Acute bronchitis and COVID-19 (Coronavirus) are both respiratory illnesses. The coronavirus could end up mild like a common cold. Its like one minutea child is playing or an adult is working, and the next minute its thatfeeling like you got hit by a Mack truck., More sneezing, copious amounts of nasal mucus snot, coming from a runny nose, and wheezing are some hallmark symptoms of RSV. At first, it seemed to target people over 60 years old and have severe underlying health conditions like. For the common cold, which typically produces mild symptoms, treatment includes staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking OTC medications as needed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's a common respiratory infection caused by a virus that affects your nose, throat, and lungs and can last from 5 to 7 days. GoodRx Health The major differences between allergy and COVID-19 symptoms are: Fever: Allergies shouldn't cause any increase in temperature. The latest internal figures from the American Academy of Pediatrics'Committee on Infectious Diseasessuggest that the common cold is predominant virus at the moment, followed by influenza, RSV, and COVID-19., Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Tests used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may use two methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, adebilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. Still, physicians in the U.S. are paying attention to what's happening in the U.K., which is "two to three months ahead of us," Vinik said. An upper respiratory infection affects the nose and throat and causes symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Treatments for COVID-19, flu, and the common cold, Tough Journeys: When Cancer Strikes People Living With Dementia, Sea Spray Can Waft Polluted Coastal Water Inland, Cats, Dogs 'Part of the Family' for Most American Pet Owners: Poll, Dozens of Medical Groups Launch Effort to Battle Health Misinformation. However, you can get rid of a cold faster, even overnight, by resting, drinking hot fluids, blowing your nose, gargling with salt water, taking a hot shower, using a humidifier and taking OTC pain relievers and decongestants. If you are a healthy child or an adult under the age of 60 years, you may not have any symptoms. For this reason, vaccines against influenza and other viruses wont protect you against SARS-CoV-2 and vice versa. These observations led to several hypotheses that COVID-19 was a vascular disease with respiratory symptoms and not a respiratory disease. ; Rhinoviruses cause about 30%-50% of colds. If you have bronchitis, you may have any of the following symptoms: Anyone can get COVID-19. Antibiotics are not indicated for these three viral diseases. Sneezing. Re: Upper respiratory/Cancun. About 1 in 5 people with COVID-19 are also infected with other respiratory viruses, according to a preliminary analysis led by Ian Brown, MD, a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine.. However, getting vaccinated is the best protection. Wheezing(a high-pitched, coarse whistling sound when a person breathes). COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a new type of virus that has caused a global pandemic. According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Maximizing fit for cloth and medical procedure masks to improve performance and reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission and exposure. The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URI), is a viral infection of the upper airway (nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx) but can also affect the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, and lungs). The initial symptoms are all upper respiratory, much like a cold. Sometimes, the general term coronavirus is used with COVID-19, but this is technically incorrect because there are many types of coronaviruses in this family, including SARS-CoV-1 which emerged in 2002 and other coronaviruses that commonly infect humans. Colds, allergies, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are an inevitable part of autumn and winter. Use suppressants to treat a dry cough. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The immune system usually stays dormant in the lungs in times of health. Acute bronchitis is sometimes referred to as a chest cold. Since the symptoms are so similar, the best way to accurately determine whether you have COVID-19 or the flu is to get tested. Does Health Insurance Cover At-Home COVID Tests? However, the sniffles dont always mean COVID-19. What are some common symptoms of red tide for everyday people just walking along or near the beach? coronavirus (covid-19) health center/coronavirus a-z list/covid-19 vs. flu vs. cold article. See additional information. Symptoms of COVID-19 generally appear two days to two weeks after exposure. Find out what cold and flu treatments work the natural way, and what doesn't. Post-COVID Conditions. Treatments your healthcare provider might recommend if you are sick. Maltezou HC Raftopoulos V, Vorou R, et al. It's also possible the shift in Covid-19 symptoms has nothing to with the delta variant. COVID-19 quarantine and isolation. By comparison, the virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to the family of coronaviruses. However, COVID-19 symptoms may be mistaken with the common cold or allergic rhinitis. The latter may cause severe damage to the airways and lungs, increasing the risk of complications. COVID-19 vs. URI. You may also have symptoms that range from mild to severe. Unlike the Delta variant, Omicron appears to cause less damage to the lungs and is said to primarily affect the upper respiratory tract. Even if you test negative, you can still get infected after the test. It is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. In adults and older children, RSV is typically a mild illness very similar to the common cold. Is it flu, COVID-19, allergies, or a cold? So far, there are only reports of fungal . COVID-19 vs a cold. King A. Flu is caused by infection with a flu virus (influenza viruses). Take this COVID-19 prevention quiz to learn how to protect yourself. COVID-19 and the upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) commonly known as "Flu" can cause similar symptoms. Acute bronchitis typically will get better on its own. . The drug Veklury (remdesivir) was the first FDA-approved treatment for COVID-19. The table below summarizes the similar and different signs and symptoms of the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Recent findings suggest it may be contagious even in the incubation period when the patient shows no symptoms. However, the rapid spread of the virus was due to person-to-person contact that has been responsible for the wide outbreak of this infection. 2021;249(3318):12-13. doi:10.1016/S0262-4079(21)00084-1. As of January 2023, over 1,100,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in the United States. In comparison, laboratory PCR tests yield slower results (in days) but are significantly more accurate and sensitive, as they detect the presence of the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2. It can take longer for people infected with SARS-CoV-2 to show symptoms and people stay infectious longer than with the flu. 1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page. Bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract are most often S. pyogenes (a group A streptococcus), or sometimes H influenzae . This type of test is called a viral test because it looks for viral infection. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Treatments are still evolving and should be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at least for emergency use, if not yet fully approved. The common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses, while SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. Doctors say even fully vaccinated people need to pay attention to Covid-19 symptoms, such as headache and congestion. Doctors mainly diagnose colds using clinical observation and medical history. Mechanical ventilation is part of the arsenal of supportive care clinicians use for COVID-19 coronavirus disease patients with the most severe lung symptoms. The coronavirus could end up mild like a common cold. "Now that we have vaccinated all of those older people, you take their symptoms out of the mix," said Alasdair Munro, a senior clinical research fellow in pediatric infectious diseases at the National Institute for Health Research in the U.K. "People who would get those milder symptoms normally are now a much bigger proportion of everyone who gets infected," Munro said. Read our. Examples of viral tests include antigen (pieces of viral protein) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). For example, COVID-19 respiratory symptoms appear to closely mimic symptoms caused by a condition known as pneumocystis pneumonia, a pulmonary infection predominantly affecting the alveoli, the tiny air sacs lining . breathlessness. Is it flu, COVID-19, allergies, or a cold? The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system (nose, throat, sinuses, Eustachian tubes, trachea, larynx, and bronchial tubes). This is to rule out pneumonia. News India Flu cases with Covid-like symptoms rise in India, Centre issues advisory: Top points. According to Tim Spector, Head of UK's ZOE symptoms study app, some of the most common symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, headache, body pain, mild fever, cough and digestive issues in some. Common cold symptoms, which generally affect the upper respiratory system, typically peak at one to three days and last seven to 10 days. Unless contraindicated, travelers should be vaccinated against influenza and be up-to-date on other routine immunizations. Another treatment that has received an emergency use authorization is the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab. Stinchfield agrees that these viruses cause many of the same symptoms, such as congestion, coughing, and the potential for fever. Its fair to say that the idea of a disease that manifests itself primarily in the upper respiratory system is emerging, Roland Eils, PhD, a biologist at the Berlin Institute of Health, told the New York Times. Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea, zinc, neti pots, garlic, vitamin C, saltwater gargles, nasal strips, or bed rest. He is also seeing an uptick in congestion associated with the virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a helpful page explaining which symptoms are most likely with which respiratory illnesses. See additional information. It can develop after an upper respiratory infection (URI), which is usually called the common cold. How do I treat the flu, COVID-19, and RSV? The common cold and COVID-19 share symptoms. There are currently multiple FDA-authorized vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, but some drugs and treatments can help combat disease once they occur. Methods: A modified Delphi process was used. And staying inside to keep warm! By continuing to browse this site you agree . The flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses: The flu by influenza virus, COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by respiratory syncytial virus. Vaccines are available to prevent a number of respiratory diseases, including influenza, S. pneumoniae infection, H. influenzae type B infection (in young children), pertussis, diphtheria, varicella, and measles. Colds are usually diagnosed by their symptoms alone as there is no lab test for cold viruses. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. RSV is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults. Wheezing a high-pitched noise that's usually heard when breathing out. MedTerms online medical dictionary provides quick access to hard-to-spell and often misspelled medical definitions through an extensive alphabetical listing. Common Cold: The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection of the nose and throat, including the sinuses and trachea. See additional information. When you get a COVID-19 test, you can select a rapid antigen test or laboratory PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. Headaches. It's easy to confuse the symptoms of the common cold and flu with the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection. At least five full days after exposure, you should get tested even if you don't have symptoms. 2021;70. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7007e1. Both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are generally free of charge. The latest internal figures from the American Academy of Pediatrics'Committee on Infectious Diseasessuggest that the common cold is predominant virus at the moment, followed by influenza, RSV, and COVID-19., Rathore estimates that about 35% of patients coming in with a viral illness test positive for the rhino enterovirus causing the common cold., So it is probably much more common than any of the other infectionswe are talking about, he says. Association between upper respiratory tract viral load, comorbidities, disease severity and outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 also affects the upper and lower respiratory systems but can cause severe disease in the lungs, and sometimes death. Inflammation and problems with the immune system can also happen. COVID-19. According to the CDC, the flu and COVID-19 share very similar symptoms, and it might be hard to tell which of the two you have. Avoid placing your baby in contact with anyone who exhibits symptoms of the common cold, wash your hands regularly, and dont let anyone smoke around your baby. Save. Severe flu may have symptoms that develop rapidly and require supportive care. Typical sinus infection symptoms include: Nasal congestion. Both Hopkins and Vinik said their patients tend to be unvaccinated and skew younger than earlier in the pandemic. More sneezing, copious amounts of nasal mucus snot coming from a runny nose, and wheezing are some hallmark symptoms of RSV. fatigue. Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common cause of disease in shelters, and one of the most important diseases faced by shelter veterinarians. Its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. 19, 2020. cough. Colds are a mild upper respiratory illness with a runny, stuffy nose without a. The nice thing is that there are some combination rapid tests that we usein clinics that can look at COVID-19, the flu, andRSV all in one, Stinchfield says. A level of 92% or lower can indicate hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood). Most of Dunn's sickest Covid-19 patients are unvaccinated. Even for doctors, the only way to determine which virus is causing an infection is by using a test. Bronchiolitis is inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lungs, which in turn can cause the wheezing sound. 5 Tips to Improve Your Quality of Life With COPD, [ss_icon]Exercising With COPD: 10 Moves You Can Do. Acute bronchitis can be caused by bacteria, but that is much rarer. Cold and flu viruses are transmitted typically via coughing or sneezing. The best remedy is to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids. It's important to know the difference between these two illnesses. First . These symptoms typically resolve within a few more weeks, sometimes with the help of treatment if severe. We recommend reaching out to your doctor or a healthcare provider for more information. Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against COVID-19, as it prevents severe disease and death. While highly effective, the vaccines do not prevent 100 percent of infections. The association also asked doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics. Indeed, in the United Kingdom, where delta is implicated in more than 95 percent of new cases, researchers say the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are now that of a bad cold: headache, sore throat, runny nose and fever. If you are afraid, if you're like, 'This is not right,' 'my husband doesn't look good,' 'my baby doesn't look good,' get medical help. For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. In addition, it is well accepted that loss of taste and smell is a unique sign of COVID-19 infection. A common cold may typically follow a certain pattern of progression that has four different stages. Test your knowledge of colds; get prevention tips, and learn what you may want to avoid when treating a cold! In the exercising group, the proportion of episodes classified as " the common cold " was 35% (23/65), whereas it was significantly higher in the stretching group, 67% (47/70) (P[2-t]=0.0004, Fisher's test). Medical researchers currently do not know the animal species infected, but wild animals are a suspected source. A mechanical ventilator pushes airflow into the patients lungs. Hence, experts have noted differences in the kind of symptoms triggered by each variant. Newer coronavirus variants may also cause more airway disease, such as bronchitis, that may be severe . The latest news, research, and COVID-19 testing information from Labcorp. 22 Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia has also been reported, but it is uncommon, with a prevalence that ranges from 0% to 6% of people with SARS . Body aches. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of exposure. Coinfections at presentation: Although most individuals present with only SARS-CoV-2 infection, concomitant viral infections, including influenza and other respiratory viruses, have been reported. Wyoming is one of the states with the lowest vaccination rates in the country; just over 30 percent of residents are fully vaccinated. Brooks JT. But if coughs begin to move down the chest, into the lower respiratory region, that's when people should . Its important to check with your doctor about the most up-to-date information about approved and effective treatments, as well as possible vaccines. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. IE 11 is not supported. Weve compiled a few tips to help you feel even more confident in your gathering and travel plans this year. Tests forSARS-CoV-2 tell you if you have an infectionat the time of the test. During cold and flu season, it helps to know the common symptoms and how to avoid spreading illness to those around you. While one member might currently be most notorious for the illness that causes COVID-19, this is a large family of . This article will explain the similarities between the common cold and COVID-19 and include information on the diagnosis and treatment of each illness. What to do if you are sick. Of two new studies on severe COVID-19 in children, the first finds that more than one in four had an underlying medical condition, and the second shows that kids diagnosed as having acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) were over twice as likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation. While the heavily mutated strain is believed to be highly transmissible, the Delta variant, which was one of the driving forces of the second COVID-19 wave, is still the most dominant strain across the globe. COVID-19 testing: what you need to know. Shortly after, the FDAissued an emergency use authorization for a combination of the drug baricitinib, in combination with remdesivir. Infected people may also not be aware they have the virus and may not show symptoms. which symptoms are most likely with which respiratory illnesses. 3. Since acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. The drugs were found to be less effective against the predominant Omicron COVID variants, which led to the FDA revoking their EUAs. 2020;383(19):1813-1826. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2007764. Flu vs. RSV: How to tell the difference between respiratory infections, Testing is self-care: Keeping safe from COVID, colds, the flu and RSV this autumn, Summer vacation and gathering tips for our third summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 Antibody levels: More may be better, Demystifying Flurona: Dual Viral Infection Is More Common Than You May Think, Why Viral Variants Like Omicron Are Emerging: A Viral Variation 101, COVID-19, Flu & RSV Active Infection Test, COVID-19 Risk Monitoring Test Information and Resources, COVID-19, Flu and RSV at-home collection kit, Combatting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. The common cold or viral rhinitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by several types of viruses. "If you're not sure it's a cold, I would assume it could be Covid," he said. While rapid antigen tests yield fast results (in minutes), they're usually less accurate and less sensitive in detecting viral antigens, especially in individuals who are asymptomatic. When this infection travels down and affects the bronchial tubes, bronchitis occurs. They can include: Acute bronchitis usually starts with a common cold. These safety measures are optimal for keeping you and your loved ones protected, especially if you are immunocompromised or care for infants that aren't yet qualified to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. National Institutes of Health. It's important to know the difference between these two illnesses. While upper respiratory tract infections affect the throat and sinuses, leading to mild cold, headache, sore throat and other cold-like symptoms, lower respiratory infections usually last longer and are more serious. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Acute bronchitis and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses. By comparison, COVID-19's main symptoms include fever or chills and shortness of breath, according to the CDC . Pixel by Labcorp offers a COVID-19, Flu and RSV at-home collection kit for individuals ages 2 and up. Pain? Delta variant which had triggered the second wave of COVID-19 in India, directly damages the lungs, and thus the symptoms associated with this strain are mostly severe pneumonia, lungs infection . So that can help you tell COVID-19 from other viral illnesses. Testing can also confirm flu or COVID. Erika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and "TODAY.". Acute otitis media. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days. It has an incubation period ranging from 2-14 days. The main route of transmission of this highly infectious virus involves respiratory droplets and close contact. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds, but the rhinovirus is the most common causative virus. You can get a vaccine at many locations such as a clinic, pharmacy, pop-up vaccine site, and even a dentist's office. Learn how to identify, treat, and prevent them. Efforts to . It is not clear why common cold symptoms are increasingly reported in Covid-19 cases, though some experts suspect it could be due to the delta variant, which now accounts for about 20 percent of new cases in the U.S. Arkansas and Utah, where Hopkins and Vinik are respectively based, have some of the highest rates of delta cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.