COVID-19 activity rising as students head back to school, experts say
As summer ends, COVID-19 activity is increasing across the United States, according to health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that COVID-19 transmission is rising nationwide. While overall activity levels remain low, infectious disease experts say the virus is spreading more quickly in some regions, particularly in the South.
Doctors say seasonal patterns and human behavior often contribute to increases in COVID-19 cases. One spike typically occurs as families return from summer travel and students head back to school. Another increase is commonly seen during the winter months when people spend more time indoors.
COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets and aerosols. Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, fever, chills and headaches.
Health experts also continue to monitor long COVID, a condition involving lingering symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after an initial infection.
Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health, said new treatment options are available for people who have been exposed to the virus but have not yet developed symptoms.
"Let's say someone in your household, your child or somebody else gets COVID-19," Wohl said. "There's now a medicine that was approved at the end of May that you can take that can help prevent infection after exposure. You've been exposed, you're not sick yet, but you're worried and you don't want to get sick."
Wohl said the medication is designed to help prevent infection in people who have recently been exposed to the virus. He added that Paxlovid remains available for people who develop COVID-19 and qualify for treatment.
Doctors recommend that people who become sick with COVID-19 stay home and limit contact with others until their symptoms improve.
An updated COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, but health care providers expect new doses to arrive in September.
Public health officials continue to encourage people to stay informed about local transmission levels, monitor symptoms and seek medical guidance if they believe they have been exposed to the virus.
