What you need to know
- COVID-19 levels are considered “high” or “very high” in most states.
- Newer subvariants like KP.3—the latest to dominate this season—are better at evading our immune systems.
- If you’re 65 or older or immunocompromised and still have not received an additional dose of last year’s COVID-19 vaccine, get it now to stay protected until more updated vaccines become available this fall.
If you feel like a lot of people are getting sick with COVID-19 again, you’re not alone: At least half of the United States is currently experiencing high or very high levels of the virus. Experts say KP.3—a highly infectious subvariant—and seasonal behavior are behind the surge.
This COVID-19 wave is a problem because anyone—even young and healthy people—can become seriously ill with the virus, and approximately one in 10 adults who become infected with COVID-19 will suffer from long-term symptoms.
Fortunately, you don’t have to cancel your summer plans to stay safe. Read on to learn what’s causing this spike in COVID-19 infections and how you can keep the summer fun going without getting sick.
Why do COVID-19 waves happen in the summer?
While COVID-19 poses a risk year round, spikes in infections tend to happen in the winter—when other respiratory viruses like the flu primarily circulate—and in the summer. According to experts, summer COVID-19 waves occur because newer subvariants like KP.3 are better at evading our immune systems.
Other factors include this summer’s extremely hot temperatures driving gatherings inside, where COVID-19 spreads more easily, and increased travel during summer months.
How can I protect myself and others during the summer COVID-19 surge?
You can protect yourself during crowded gatherings and summer travel by wearing a high-quality, well-fitting N95 or KN95 mask on airplanes, in airports, and in other crowded environments. This is especially important when local COVID-19 wastewater levels are high. Learn about COVID-19 wastewater levels in your state from the CDC.
If you’re hosting a summer gathering, keep the party outside. If that’s not possible due to rain or high temperatures, improve indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors and using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. You can also build your own Corsi-Rosenthal box, which can capture about 85 percent of infectious particles.
If you’re 65 or older or immunocompromised and still have not received an additional dose of last year’s COVID-19 vaccine, get it now to stay protected until the newly updated vaccines become available this fall.
When do I need another COVID-19 vaccine?
Newly updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting more recently circulating subvariants will likely become available in August or September and are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Experts say it’s best to wait four months in between COVID-19 vaccines to get maximum protection, so if you get vaccinated this month, wait until November to get the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine expected in the fall.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.