COVID-19 Cases Rise in U.S. as New Variants Emerge

Summer activities and waning immunity contribute to increased infections, with updated vaccines recommended for fall.

Emergency room visits and test positivity rates are climbing, particularly in California and the Southwest.
New 'FLiRT' variants, KP.2 and KP.3, dominate recent infections but do not appear to cause more severe disease.
Current symptoms include gastrointestinal issues more frequently than early pandemic symptoms like loss of taste and smell.
Hospitalizations are rising, especially among older adults and those with chronic illnesses, but death rates remain low.
Health officials urge updated vaccinations ahead of the anticipated winter surge to mitigate severe outcomes.