The latest on COVID-19 cases, strains, symptoms

Key Points:

• COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are currently in a "high" category according to WastewaterSCAN data, with viral concentrations doubling monthly since June and a 168% increase in August compared to July, signaling ongoing transmission amid the end of the summer surge.
• The CDC's wastewater data shows nationwide COVID-19 activity as "low" for the week ending Sept. 12, though several states, mainly in the South and West, report "high" or "very high" activity, highlighting regional differences in virus spread.
• The dominant COVID-19 variant detected is XFG, an Omicron subvariant first identified in Southeast Asia in January 2025, accounting for the majority of recent cases, with symptoms largely consistent across variants but including some unique presentations like severe sore throat and gastrointestinal issues.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain available through pediatricians, public health departments, and retail pharmacies like CVS, primarily recommended for adults 65+ and individuals at high risk, with updated vaccines offered based on shared clinical decision-making and state regulations.
• The vaccine recommendation shifted in 2025 when healthy children and pregnant women were removed from the CDC's broad vaccination schedule, and the FDA approved updated vaccines mainly for older adults and high-risk groups, with ongoing emphasis on personalized consultation for vaccination decisions.