COVID Cases Rise Across U.S. as Summer Ends, Experts Advise Precautions
CDC data show COVID-19 infections increasing in all states, with the South and West seeing the steepest growth. Health officials recommend vaccination, mask use and testing for symptomatic individuals.
COVID-19 infections are climbing in every U.S. state as the summer draws to a close, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The greatest increases are recorded in the South and West, though upward trends are also evident in other regions.
"Overall, put together in the U.S., the trend does seem to be going up," said Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious-diseases physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine. She noted that while current case levels are lower than the peak of the previous year, late-summer rises have been observed in recent years.
Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious-diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine, said COVID-19 typically peaks in September-October and again in winter. He added that the probability of infection remains modest now but could rise as fall approaches.
The most common symptoms continue to be runny nose, congestion, sore throat and fever, with more severe cases presenting difficulty breathing, a strong cough and shortness of breath. Both physicians emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness and reduce the risk of long-COVID.
"I still recommend people get vaccinated," Angarone said, noting that the vaccine protects all age groups, including those who are immunocompromised.
To limit spread, experts advise improving "air hygiene" by opening windows, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing masks. They also recommend testing for COVID-19 when upper-respiratory symptoms appear, isolating if positive, and informing a health-care provider for possible antiviral treatment such as Paxlovid.
For individuals exposed to a confirmed case, a post-exposure oral medication (Xocova) is available for people 12 and older if started within 72 hours. Angarone suggested discussing the option with a clinician promptly after known exposure.
Overall, health officials stress that combined personal precautions and vaccination can keep COVID-19 incidence lower than during earlier pandemic waves.