COVID-19 Cases Edge Up Across All 50 States as Fall Nears

COVID-19 infections are rising across all 50 states as summer ends, with the South and West seeing the biggest increases and fall/winter waves expected; CDC data show nationwide upticks not at last year’s peak, and immunity remains low due to poor vaccination rates (about 17.5% of adults with the last shot). Common symptoms stay upper-respiratory (runny nose, congestion, sore throat, fever), though more severe cases can cause breathing trouble. The piece emphasizes vaccination, air hygiene, and other protections, and notes treatments like Paxlovid and post-exposure Xocova for those at risk.