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COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in the US, but remain significantly lower than last year. The hospitalization rate is three times lower than in 2024, and positive test percentages are about half. While the XFG omicron subvariant is dominant, experts say the current variants cause mostly mild illness. Updated vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 sublineage are available, but rollout and access vary by state. Concerns remain about low vaccination rates as the colder months approach, potentially leading to preventable hospitalizations and deaths.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.