COVID-19 cases across the United States has raised significant public health concerns, particularly as summer approaches. As of July 2025, 25 states are experiencing notable increases in cases, with Florida, Texas, California, and Alabama among the hardest hit . This resurgence is attributed to a combination of waning immunity from previous vaccinations and the emergence of new variants such as Nimbus (NB.1.8.1) and Stratus (XFG), which demonstrate heightened transmissibility compared to earlier strains .
 chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told "CBS Mornings" Monday this is typical of what we've come to understand about summer spikes in cases.
"We now know that there's a winter spike and then there's a summer spike," he said. "And every year, I just looked last night, the number of deaths, the number of hospitalizations, is gradually going down each season. So that's the good news."
"If it strikes you, especially for the vulnerable, and we're talking about very young children under age of 4, the elderly, people who are immunocompromised — there are millions of people who are immunocompromised out there — they can really get sick," LaPook said.
COVID variants, nicknamed Nimbus and Stratus, are "no more deadly" than previous variants, LaPook said. 
Data on previous variants, like NB.1.8.1 from earlier this year, for example, also did not show more severe illness compared to previous variants. Symptoms were broadly similar to those seen in earlier strains, too, including respiratory issues such as cough and sore throat, as well as systemic issues like fever and fatigue.
"The vaccines that were made for this season do cover the current variants, so that's good news," LaPook said. "I think the bottom line here is: Don't be blasé. It's the summer, people have all sorts of things. Be careful."
CDC has warned that increased social interactions during the warmer months may further exacerbate the spread of these variants. Consequently, public health officials are urging communities to remain vigilant by promoting vaccination efforts and encouraging preventive measures such as mask-wearing in high-risk areas. This proactive approach is crucial for mitigating the impact of this anticipated wave.
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