The United States is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases this summer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are going up across the country, and more people are visiting emergency rooms with COVID-19 symptoms. While the total number of cases is still low compared to past surges, it’s clear that the virus is spreading again. The CDC says COVID-19 cases are growing in 40 states, especially in areas like the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, South, and West Coast. Nine states have stayed steady, but none are seeing fewer cases.
Which variants are behind this summer surge
The increase in cases is linked to new variants of the virus. The CDC says the most common one now is called NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus. This variant can cause a very sore throat, which some people describe as feeling like “razor blades.”
Another variant called XFG, or Stratus, is also spreading fast and is now the third most common strain in the US. Experts at Yale University say both Nimbus and Stratus spread more easily than previous versions and can avoid some protection from vaccines or past infections.
Which states are seeing the most COVID-19 cases in the US?
The CDC found that states like Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas have high or very high levels of the virus.
Other states with rising cases include Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Why do we see COVID-19 rise in summer?
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, explains that COVID-19 tends to come in two waves each year, one in summer and a bigger one in winter.
He says the summer rise happens because more people travel and spend time indoors in air-conditioned places when it’s hot outside. “We’ve been expecting this rise, and now it’s happening,” Schaffner said.
What symptoms should you watch out for?
The new variants cause symptoms much like the Omicron strain from recent years. Common signs include:
- Sore throat
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Loss of smell or taste
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Emergency room visits are currently highest among children under four, many of whom aren’t vaccinated yet.
Is this surge dangerous?
So far, hospital stays are low compared to previous surges. But health experts warn not to ignore COVID, even if it seems mild for most people. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus keeps changing, and new versions might be more contagious or more serious.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reminds everyone that COVID-19 can still cause serious illness and death, even in smaller waves.
How can you stay safe?
Experts say the best ways to protect yourself during this summer rise are:
- Get your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters when available.
- Test yourself if you have symptoms or were around someone with COVID-19.
- Stay home and isolate if you’re sick.
- Wear a good mask like an N95 in crowded indoor places.
- Keep some distance from others and open windows for fresh air.
Can another vaccine shot help?
Health experts say getting the latest COVID-19 booster shots is the best way to protect yourself during this summer surge. These boosters are designed to target newer variants like Nimbus and Stratus, helping your body fight the virus better.
The CDC recommends that everyone eligible, especially older adults, people with health problems, and frontline workers, get their updated booster shots when available. Vaccination not only lowers your chances of getting seriously ill but also helps reduce the spread of the virus to others.
This summer wave will likely continue for a few more months and slow down by fall. But experts expect a bigger wave in winter.
