AI Generated Image
Is there a summer COVID-19 surge this year? Yep, it's ramping up again
npr.org • • general
Key Points:
- The United States is experiencing a growing summer surge of COVID-19, with cases rising most notably in the South and West, but also increasing in the Northeast and Midwest, though overall virus levels remain low.
- This summer's COVID wave appears milder than previous years, likely due to growing herd immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
- COVID-19 remains a serious risk for older adults, infants, and immunocompromised individuals, with potential to cause severe illness and disrupt daily activities like work and school.
- Unlike the flu, COVID-19 exhibits biannual seasonal spikes in both summer and winter, a pattern that remains scientifically unexplained.
- Public health experts recommend staying up to date with COVID vaccines, which are expected to match the circulating strain, despite the CDC not issuing updated guidelines due to legal issues; a new drug, Xocava, is also available to reduce illness risk after exposure.
