In recent days, Maricruz L., who lives in Pacoima, has felt ill, with the usual symptoms of COVID-19, but has not wanted to get tested and has preferred to stay home to rest.

“I think I do have COVID, but I don't want to get tested. I'm going to take a few days off work until I recover well,” she says.

Patricia Guerrero, A Santa Clarita resident is certain she contracted COVID three weeks ago, but like Maricruz, she declined to get tested to confirm it was the coronavirus.

“I was scared. All I did was wear a mask every time I went out and didn’t take it off until I felt better.”

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health, the trend in COVID positivity rates this summer is similar to those in 2024.

However, they note that rising COVID-19 positivity rates may indicate that the risk of COVID-19 infection is increasing in the community.

“COVID-19 hospitalizations remain lower than those seen this time last year and in the 2022-23 season; and overall, the rate of increase appears less pronounced compared to previous seasons.”

They specified that since the start of the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, 368 COVID deaths have been identified, verified through death certificate data.

Causes of the outbreak

So what is the reason for the COVID spike in the middle of summer?

“We generally have one in the summer and another in the winter. This time it came much later, and we are seeing more cases, but the hospitals are not getting clogged up; but it is very similar to what we have seen in past summers, and winter is coming and we are going to see another escalation,” said pediatrician Ilan Shapiro, director of health education and wellness at Altamed Clinics.

How much does this COVID outbreak influence the fact that many no longer want to get vaccinated?

“People are more protected now, but with the vaccine they are doing much better, because instead of miss work for a week, it will be fewer days."The vaccine helps us get over COVID more quickly and without complications, not so much that it prevents complications," the doctor said. He added: "The CDC is proposing that people over 65, who are sedentary, suffer from obesity, or have chronic illnesses should get vaccinated. And where they differ is that the Academy of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and others agree on following the guidelines we had before, that those over six months of age and pregnant women should get vaccinated." Dr. Shapiro stated that many states are currently deciding how to obtain the vaccine. "We don't know if there will be more access to the vaccine this year or not, and if insurance will pay for it or not." Should children continue to receive the COVID vaccine? "Although the mortality rate is lower in children, they can still get sick from COVID. The vaccine is one more tool that parents should consider." I know there are many fears and myths about the vaccine, and that's why we should talk to our doctors to make the best decision."

High levels

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), California currently has high levels of coronavirus in wastewater from Los Angeles to the San Francisco area and around the State Capitol in Sacramento.

The CDC revealed that coronavirus infections may be increasing in 30 states, including California. Of all the regions in the United States, the West has the highest levels of coronavirus in wastewater, followed by the South.

To limit the spread of COVID-19, Los Angeles County Public Health encouraged Angelenos to stay home if they get sick, wear masks indoors, especially in crowded spaces, wash their hands frequently, and improve ventilation inside their homes.

"Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick severe, including hospitalization and death, especially for those at high risk for severe illness,” they said.

Vaccine Monitoring

They added that they are closely monitoring the latest developments regarding updated COVID-19 vaccines to inform the community and healthcare providers about availability and distribution to those who need it most.

Together with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health supports the vaccination recommendations recently released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG),which advises COVID-19 vaccines for certain children and all pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.

To address the current surge in COVID-19 cases, Public Health supports CDPH recommendations to continue the use of remaining unexpired supplies of the authorized 2024-2025 vaccines in individuals 6 months of age and older until the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.

“The 2024-2025 vaccines remain effective in helping to protect people from severe disease and may offer protection until the next 2025-2026 vaccines become available,” Public Health said in a statement.

Will we have to pay for them?

It is still uncertain if there will be a cost for the COVID-19 vaccines this year.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve the vaccines soon, but it will likely only be covered by insurance for people 65 and older, or with underlying health conditions.

The CDC currently recommends vaccination starting at six months of age.

Los Angeles County Public Health states that currently, with the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, uncertainty remains regarding health insurance coverage for the updated vaccine, as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not yet met.