COVID-19 Infections Rise in All 50 US States as Fall JN.1 Shot Nears
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Aug 14
COVID-19 Infections Rise in All 50 US States as Fall JN.1 Shot Nears
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Aug 14
Summary
CDC data now show COVID-19 infections growing or likely growing in all 50 states, extending the summer surge beyond the 43 states flagged in earlier reports.
Broad immunity from prior infections and vaccination has kept overall respiratory illness activity low and hospitals from being overwhelmed, even as transmission rises nationwide.
High-risk groups—including older adults, people with chronic conditions and the immunocompromised—still face the greatest danger, with pediatricians continuing to recommend annual vaccination for everyone 6 months and older.
Early fall should bring an updated vaccine targeting the JN.1-lineage XFG variant, while private insurance and government programs are expected to keep shots free.
FDA-approved antivirals add another layer of protection: Xocova can cut symptomatic COVID-19 by 67% when taken within 3 days of exposure, while Paxlovid should start within 5 days of symptoms.