New Covid variant symptoms seen in US amid surge in summer wave: Check symptoms and states at the highest risk
"COVID-19 laboratory percent positivity is increasing nationally," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. "Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are increasing among young children 0-4 years old," though the CDC noted that emergency room visits are "low" overall.
Covid cases rising in US
Covid-19 numbers are increasing in Massachusetts, and in multiple states across the country. The CDC in its latest report said the number of cases is now growing or likely growing in at least 26 states and Washington, D.C. COVID-related emergency room visits for young kids are also the highest they've been since March, according to the data.
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The latest COVID-19 strain is known as "Nimbus." As of early June, the new strain known as NB.1.8.1, or "Nimbus," made up 37% of COVID-19 cases nationwide.
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"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," CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook told "CBS Mornings". He warned that people should not ignore the increase in Covid cases.
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"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 spikes used to mostly hit in winter, however now the virus is showing up twice a year.
What should you know about Nimbus strain?
Nimbus strain was first detected in China in January 2025 but accounted for about 0% of cases in the United States until May. The latest COVID variants, nicknamed Nimbus and Stratus, are "no more deadly" than previous variants, LaPook said.
The Nimbus strain spreads fast and often causes sore throats that feel sharp or painful, this condition is also know as 'razor blade throat.' It's now dominant in most states. So far, it doesn't appear to cause more serious illness.
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Virologists describe Nimbus as a 'slightly upgraded' version of its predecessor. While there is no evidence it causes more severe disease, it appears to be highly transmissible.
Reported symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to other COVID-19 strains. However, there is one distinctive complaint- a severe sore throat, sometimes described as 'razor-blade throat fatigue.' Other symptoms may include:
Mild cough
Fever
Muscle aches
Nasal congestion
Should you get a Covid booster?
Health experts say that updated COVID-19 vaccines remain the best protection against severe illness. Vaccination rates vary widely by state, and health officials continue to urge eligible individuals to stay current with their shots. The CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from "severe illness, hospitalization and death," there have been some shifts in recommendations.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, for example, says pregnant people should get vaccinated. The CDC has advised using "shared clinical decision-making" when considering the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children.
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For adults aged 18 and older, the agency continues to recommend the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, emphasizing its importance for those 65 and older, individuals at high risk of severe illness, or those who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Where COVID-19 cases are growing in US?
Covid-19 cases are growing in Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.
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How can you stay safe?
-Get a booster if it is more than six months since your last dose. Old age people, people with weak immune systems need extra protection.
-Wear mask in crowded places like N95 or KN95 especially in areas that have poor air circulation.
-Keep at-home tests ready and take one, if you feel sick or if you were exposed to the virus. If it's positive, isolate for five days.
-Use air purifiers, improve the air flow in the indoors.
-Wash hands often, use sanitizer. Don't touch your face after being in public. Watch for signs like fever, fatigue, and sore throat. Act fast if symptoms show up.
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