Tue Aug 05 09:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summer Sniffles? COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in Some U.S. Regions**
**PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) —** As summer brings warmer weather and outdoor activities, health officials are warning that it doesn’t mean an end to respiratory illnesses. While flu and RSV remain low, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows COVID-19 cases are trending upwards in several parts of the country.
Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among all age groups. Experts believe COVID-19 may eventually become a seasonal virus, similar to other coronaviruses. However, the past few years have seen late-summer surges.
Other viruses circulating include hand, foot, and mouth disease and norovirus. While respiratory viruses generally decrease in the summer due to outdoor activities and open windows, the return to indoor, air-conditioned spaces can lead to increased transmission.
“A lot of people get sick in the summer here [Arizona]. Why is that? Because you spend more time indoors,” said Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency room doctor and Arizona State University researcher.
For healthy individuals considering a COVID-19 booster, timing is crucial, doctors say. It may be worth waiting until the fall in anticipation of winter cases of COVID-19. High-risk individuals should consult their doctors about booster schedules.
The CDC has noted a rise in emergency room visits among young children. Many may be experiencing the virus for the first time or are unvaccinated. Despite some recent public statements, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccinations for children older than six months.
Health experts recommend the usual precautions: spending time outdoors, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying home when sick.
First Piper 