COVID-19 cases are on the rise this summer, a trend consistent with previous years, according to recent health data. Wastewater testing, primarily in the South and on the West Coast, shows an increase in the virus's prevalence. While infection rates remain relatively low, experts are advising the public to be prepared.
Dr. Susan Kline, a professor of infectious diseases and international medicine at the University of Minnesota, noted that late June and early July typically represent the lowest rates of COVID-19 nationally, with an increase often observed in August. Last year saw a peak in late August and into mid-September, a possibility that could be replicated this year.
Dr. Neil Maniar, a professor of public health at Northeastern University in Boston, suggests that increased summer travel may contribute to the current rise, as individuals spend more time in crowded, enclosed spaces. At-home rapid COVID-19 tests offer a way to monitor personal health and inform decisions to prevent further spread.
When experiencing respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat, experts recommend staying home to avoid transmitting illness to others. Instructions for iHealth rapid COVID-19 antigen tests involve a simple four-step process: swabbing each nostril, mixing the swab with the solution in a vial, applying three drops to the test strip, and waiting 15 minutes for results.