COVID cases rise across US as summer ends, experts warn

COVID-19 infections are climbing nationwide as the United States moves toward the end of summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency’s data indicate rising case numbers in every state, with the most pronounced increases in the South and West regions.

"Overall, put together in the U.S., the trend does seem to be going up," said Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious-diseases physician and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Experts note that seasonal patterns typically produce multiple peaks, often in September-October and again in winter. Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious-diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine, said the current burden of SARS-CoV-2 remains low but could rise as fall approaches.

"The number of cases and the burden of SARS-CoV-2 is on the low side, but that can change as we go into that fall, early winter season," Angarone said.

When infection occurs, the most common symptoms remain upper-respiratory signs such as runny nose, congestion, sore throat and fever, with more severe cases showing shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

Immunity in many communities is low, partly due to modest adult booster uptake—about 17.5 % received the latest COVID shot—and limited natural immunity from prior infection. Sood warned that reduced immunity could increase the likelihood of illness upon exposure.

"Part of the reason is because of what we’ve seen in previous years and part of it is the reduced immunity that we’re seeing," she said.

Both physicians emphasized vaccination as the primary defense against severe disease and long-COVID. They also recommended basic “air hygiene” measures, including opening windows, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and wearing masks.

"I still recommend to people to get vaccinated. We know the vaccine is the best way to prevent serious illness," Angarone said.

For those who develop symptoms, testing and self-isolation are advised. Antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid are available for eligible patients, while a post-exposure prophylaxis pill, Xocova, may be considered for individuals with confirmed close contact, especially those at higher risk.

"If they know they’ve been directly exposed, I think talking to their primary clinician about getting this medication… we know there’s benefit to that," Angarone added.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage preventive actions to keep case numbers from escalating further.