COVID cases rise across US this summer

COVID-19 cases are rising again across the United States this summer, NPR reported, with experts saying the uptick remains at very low levels and appears milder than earlier waves.

Dr. John Brooks, an infectious disease doctor at Emory University in Atlanta who used to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the country is in a growing summer surge. "I think most of us kind of feel like it's fading away and are certainly very grateful for that. But nationally we're seeing it ticking up pretty much everywhere," Brooks said. The virus is spreading most in the South and West, and is also rising in the Northeast and Midwest.

The current wave is sending fewer people to the hospital and causing fewer deaths than prior years. Brooks said growing herd immunity is likely contributing, as more people have had one or more infections, more than one vaccination, or both.

Experts said COVID can still make many people feel sick for a week or two, disrupt vacations and force people to miss work or school. "COVID-19 is still dangerous, particularly for older adults, infants and people who are immunocompromised," said Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She said that in a typical office of 20 colleagues, one or two people are likely to have some degree of immunocompromise.

COVID now spikes twice a year, in summer and winter, unlike flu, which surges in winter. Rivers called the pattern "a big mystery" and said she still masks in crowded places such as busy airports. She also recommends staying up to date on vaccines, while the next shots are expected soon and appear to be a good match for the dominant circulating strain.

The CDC has not issued updated vaccine recommendations because of litigation over the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul immunizations in the U.S.; the administration no longer recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older routinely receive an annual COVID shot. Major medical groups still recommend annual vaccination, insurers have indicated they will keep covering shots, and government programs such as Vaccines for Children are likely to keep them free. Clare Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, said COVID and flu vaccines will be available, covered by insurers and recommended by medical societies.