The coronavirus is no longer the top priority for many people, but every summer it seems to roar back to life, reminding us that COVID-19 is not yet defeated.
According to health officials, COVID-19 activity spikes in California each summer due to various factors. These include increased social mixing during travel and social events, people spending time indoors to beat the heat, waning immunity from vaccination and previous infections, and mutations of the virus.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health notes that the rate of positive COVID-19 tests in California has risen significantly, with 11.59% positivity rates for the week ending August 16. This trend is expected to continue, mirroring last year’s summer surge.
The rise in COVID-19 cases also means increased urgent medical care, particularly among children and older adults. Children under 11 are now being hospitalized at a rate of 4.04%, while those over 75 experience hospitalizations at a rate of 2.25%.
Long COVID and its impacts on daily life remain a concern, affecting an estimated 17 million adults and 1 million children worldwide.
The vaccine landscape has become uncertain, with the CDC’s recommendations for healthy pregnant women and young children changing recently. Some doctors recommend that unvaccinated individuals at high risk of severe complications get vaccinated now.
While some medical providers advocate for vaccination, eligibility for the new vaccine has been delayed by the Trump administration. The 2025-26 version is expected to be released later this year, but its availability and eligibility remain unclear.
Health officials note that while COVID-19 hospitalizations are low, spreading the virus can still have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations like infants, toddlers, seniors, and those with chronic health issues.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-27/why-covid-roars-back-every-summer-what-you-should-do