COVID-19 Cases Rise Across All U.S. States as Summer Ends, Experts Advise Precautions
CDC data shows COVID-19 infections are increasing in every state, with the South and West seeing the largest gains. Health experts recommend vaccination, mask use and ventilation to limit spread.
COVID-19 infections are climbing in all 50 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the steepest increases reported in the South and West. Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious-diseases physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said the overall trend "seems to be going up" and noted that late-summer upticks have been observed in previous years.
Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious-diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine, said the current risk of infection remains relatively low but could rise as the fall and winter seasons approach. He explained that typical COVID-19 symptoms this summer include runny nose, congestion, sore throat and fever, while more severe cases may involve difficulty breathing and a persistent cough.
Both physicians highlighted low community immunity, citing that only about 17.5% of adults have received a recent COVID-19 booster and that prior infection rates are lower than during the Omicron wave. To mitigate spread, Dr. Sood recommended "air hygiene" measures such as opening windows, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing masks. She also emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent serious illness and long-COVID.
For those who develop symptoms, Dr. Angarone advised obtaining a COVID-19 test and isolating if positive. He suggested that eligible patients discuss antiviral options like Paxlovid with their doctors. Dr. Sood mentioned a post-exposure medication, Xocova, which may be considered for people at higher risk after confirmed close contact with an infected individual.