If you've noticed more people around you getting sick, it's because the number of COVID-19 infections is going up.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 45 states are seeing an uptick in cases, including Minnesota.
"We always are concerned and there is an uptick, yes," said Hennepin Healthcare Dr. Myriam Roby, who reports COVID typically declines in the summer. But not this year, as many people gather inside to beat the heat.
"We've come such a long way, but yet we still have so far to go," said Dr. Roby.
Three new variants are driving the surge, including KP.2, that now account for 60% of cases. But doctors say while the symptoms aren't as severe, they are similar to a cold and that can lead to further spread if people don't take precautions.
This as data shows only one in five adults are vaccinated.
"We're now post-COVID and we will never return to our life that was prior to that, so now we acclimate to life post-COVID and how do we adapt and how do we stay in this new era as healthy as we can," said Dr. Roby.
Dr. Roby's job is to also ensure healthcare equity. She continues to provide outreach to communities of color that research shows have higher chances of needing care.
"I think they want to talk about it and they're wanting a space and a lane to just be head," said Dr. Roby. "But there is hope."
Doctors say the new variants are also better at evading vaccines or previous infections. So, the CDC recommends anyone over 65 or who's immunocompromised should have the current shot, while everyone else can wait until the fall.