Summer COVID surge Is here. Here’s what to know

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — COVID-19 cases are climbing once again this summer, with health experts saying the virus’s annual seasonal surge is already underway.

Dr. Charles Vega, a family physician with UCI Health, says while most people recover from COVID-19, the virus can still spread rapidly within households, leading to hospitalizations and, in some cases, death.

“With the current variant in circulation, the transmission rates within a home are very high. So if you live with somebody with COVID-19 and they have symptoms, your chance of getting COVID-19 is 47%. Almost half of folks will get it, so that’s a very high transmission rate for any virus.”

Health experts recommend taking simple precautions to reduce your risk of infection. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and stay home and isolate if you develop symptoms. These steps can help slow the spread of the virus and protect those who may be more vulnerable to severe illness.