Summer COVID activity rising

COVID-19 activity is rising in many states this summer while overall respiratory illnesses remain low.

Summer viruses meet rising stratus variant

COVID-19 activity is rising in many states this summer, even as overall visits for respiratory illness stay low. CDC data show moderate COVID-19 activity in wastewater and an uptick in emergency department visits across age groups, with the Stratus variant now the most common in the United States and under monitoring by the WHO.

Experts say the summer spread depends as much on behavior as on weather. Outdoor time and good ventilation help, while long indoor time with air conditioning can raise risk. Health officials advise considering booster timing based on personal risk and plans, and families with young children should consult doctors amid ongoing policy debates around pediatric vaccines.

The piece shows how a summer uptick in COVID-19 sits alongside a generally low burden of flu and RSV. It also highlights the tension between scientific guidance and political rhetoric when it comes to vaccines. The story suggests readers weigh personal risk, seasonality, and behavior in deciding protections.

Looking ahead, the thread is clear: clear, consistent public health messaging and flexible vaccine strategies will matter as the country moves toward a possible winter surge.

Highlights

Health guidance will keep evolving as data shift and the season changes.