As summer reaches its peak, so too has a new wave of COVID-19 infections across the United States. While the landscape is far different from the pandemic's early years, a confluence of new variants, hot weather driving people indoors, and fading population immunity is creating a significant surge in cases, hospitalizations, and positive test rates.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a national trend of increasing viral activity in wastewater, a key early indicator of spread. After months of relative stability, these levels have risen sharply, suggesting a higher transmission rate than at any point since last winter.
"The virus is once again reminding us that it is a persistent and evolving pathogen," said Dr. Anya Sharma, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University. "We're seeing a classic summer pattern where people gather in air-conditioned spaces, which provides the perfect environment for the virus to spread."
The Variants Driving the Surge: Meet FLiRT
The current surge is primarily fueled by the KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1 variants, collectively known as the FLiRT variants—a name derived from the technical names of their mutations. Descendants of the JN.1 strain that dominated last winter, these new variants have developed mutations on their spike proteins that help them evade antibodies from previous infections and vaccinations.
"This increased immune escape is why even people who had COVID fairly recently might be getting sick again," explained Dr. Ian Cole, a virologist at Baylor College of Medicine. "The virus is constantly finding new ways to get around our existing defenses."
Regions Seeing the Sharpest Increases
While cases are rising nationally, the surge is not uniform. The CDC's latest data points to several hotspots experiencing the most pronounced spikes:
-
The Sun Belt: States including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico are seeing some of the highest wastewater levels and hospitalization rates. The extreme heat, forcing prolonged indoor activity, is considered a major contributing factor.
-
The West Coast: California and Hawaii are reporting substantial increases in emergency room visits for COVID-19, with test positivity rates climbing above 15% in some areas.
-
The Northeast: After a later start, states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts are now experiencing a rapid uptick, with viral levels in wastewater tripling in some catchment areas over the past month.
"Hospitals in these regions are not facing the crisis levels of 2020, but we are seeing a noticeable strain," said Janet Lee, CEO of a hospital network in Southern California. "It's a reminder that COVID is still very much a part of our healthcare reality."
How to Stay Protected
Health officials emphasize that the tools to mitigate this surge are readily available, though often underutilized.
-
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccination: The updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is designed to provide better protection against current variants like JN.1 and its FLiRT descendants. Health experts strongly recommend it for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially those at higher risk for severe disease.
-
Test if You Have Symptoms: If you feel sick, get tested. Rapid home tests are effective at detecting the virus. A positive test can help you make informed decisions about isolating and seeking treatment.
-
Consider Masking in Crowded Indoor Spaces: In areas of high transmission, wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95) in crowded public settings like airports, movie theaters, or stores remains a highly effective way to prevent infection.
-
Seek Treatment Early: If you test positive and are at high risk, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Antiviral treatments like Paxlovid are most effective when taken within the first few days of symptoms.
As the summer continues, experts advise a renewed sense of awareness rather than alarm. "We are in a new phase of learning to live with COVID," said Dr. Sharma. "That means enjoying our lives but also being smart—getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and using the protections we know work when the virus is on the rise." on another topic you can always get the best cannabis strains in Europe at dutchweedshop.White Fire OG Strain, White Runtz Strain, Triangle Kush Strain