COVID-19 infections are on the rise across the United States, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating an increase or likely increase in all 50 states. Experts suggest this trend is not unusual for late summer and points towards a potential increase as the fall and winter months approach.
Dr. Geeta Sood, an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, stated that the overall trend in the U.S. appears to be upward. While cases are particularly increasing in the South and West, the rise is occurring nationwide. "It doesn’t seem to be at the high levels that it was last year," Sood said, "and it’s not unusual for us to be seeing upward trends in late summer because we’ve been seeing that for a few years now."
COVID-19 tends to peak in the fall and again in the winter, according to Dr. Michael Angarone, an infectious diseases specialist at Northwestern Medicine. He noted that while the current number of cases and the burden of SARS-CoV-2 are relatively low, this could change as the colder seasons approach. "The number of cases and the burden of SARS-CoV-2 is on the low side, but that can change, and I think we are expecting that it’s going to change as we go into that fall, early winter season," Angarone said.
Common Symptoms and Protection Measures
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 continue to be those associated with upper respiratory infections. These include a runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and fever. More severe cases may involve difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and shortness of breath. "Now that pretty much everyone has probably had COVID at least once, it’s still those same symptoms — that upper respiratory symptoms — and the illness still falls into that respiratory viral category," Angarone explained.
Sood anticipates that cases will likely continue to increase as fall nears, partly due to previous years' patterns and a reduction in community immunity. Vaccination rates and immunity from prior infections are contributing factors. "We haven’t seen huge waves like we did [with] the Omicron wave, which pretty much infected everybody. Therefore, it’s very likely and possible that if you’re exposed, you’re more likely to develop disease," Sood said.
To protect against infection, Sood recommends practicing "air hygiene," which involves opening windows, avoiding crowded areas, and wearing masks. These measures also help prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses. The COVID-19 vaccine remains a critical tool for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and the risk of developing long COVID. "I still recommend to people to get vaccinated," Angarone said. "We know the vaccine is the best way to prevent serious illness ... and I think that goes for all ages."
Testing and Treatment
If individuals experience upper respiratory symptoms like a runny nose or cough, Angarone advises getting a COVID-19 test. Those who test positive should isolate at home to avoid spreading the virus. It is also recommended to inform a doctor, who can prescribe appropriate treatment. Many individuals are eligible for antiviral treatments like Paxlovid, which can accelerate recovery.
For those exposed to someone with COVID-19, a new prescription pill, Xocova, may help prevent infection in individuals aged 12 and older. This medication is most effective when started within 72 hours of direct exposure, such as interacting with an infected co-worker or partner. "If they know they’ve been directly exposed, I think talking to their primary clinician about getting this medication, especially if you can get to that provider within 24, 48 hours of that exposure, we know that there’s benefit to that," Angarone said.
Sood noted that the benefit of Xocova might vary depending on individual circumstances, suggesting it could be particularly beneficial for those living with high-risk individuals or in settings like nursing homes. "The question becomes, who should use it? Like if it was me ... hypothetically, living with other healthy adults, the benefit may not be as great," Sood said. "But if you’re in a nursing home or are living with somebody with high-risk conditions, it’s a truly effective medication that’s been studied beautifully."