Just when COVID-19 had moved somewhere toward the back of our mental filing cabinet, it appears to be knocking on the door again.
Before you start searching the garage for that box of masks from 2021, here’s the good news: this is not a reason to panic. But it is a good reason to pay attention.
As of August 21, 2026, the CDC reports that overall acute respiratory illness in the United States remains very low. However, COVID-19 activity is increasing nationally and regionally, while flu and RSV activity remain low.
Unlike flu, COVID doesn’t follow a strict winter schedule. It circulates year-round, so increases can occur even during warmer months.
First, Some Perspective: This Isn’t 2021
Seeing the words “COVID activity is increasing” naturally brings back memories of 2020 and 2021. But an increase today doesn’t mean we’re returning to the same level of risk.
The overall risk of hospitalization and death is substantially lower now. Many of us carry some immunity from vaccination, previous infection, or both. We also have better treatments, and circulating variants have changed.
That doesn’t mean COVID is harmless. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with certain medical conditions can still become seriously ill. The goal isn’t to be afraid of COVID again—it’s simply to understand your personal risk and respond appropriately.
Even if COVID no longer feels like a major concern in your own life, it’s worth remembering that someone around you may be much more vulnerable. Think of it this way: COVID in 2026 is not the crisis of 2021, but it hasn’t earned the right to be completely ignored either.
If You’re High-Risk, Don’t Wait Too Long to Call
Most people with mild or moderate COVID-19 can recover at home with supportive care. But the risk of serious illness is higher for older adults, the immunocompromised, and people with chronic conditions.
We have treatments that can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness in eligible high-risk patients, but there is a catch: they need to be started early.
- Paxlovid: Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
- Remdesivir: Should be started within 7 days.
Treatment isn’t for everyone, as your provider will weigh your age, kidney and liver function, and drug interactions. So, if you’re high-risk and develop symptoms, don’t spend seven days debating whether it’s just allergies. Contact your healthcare provider early.
What If You Test Too Early?
Here’s a frustrating reality: a negative home test doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear. If you test too soon after symptoms begin, there may not be enough virus present for an antigen test to detect.
If your first test is negative but symptoms continue, the FDA recommends testing again 48 hours later for at least two tests total when you have symptoms.”
If you continue feeling sick despite negative home tests—or if knowing the answer affects your treatment—contact your healthcare provider. A more sensitive molecular test, such as a PCR/NAAT, may be necessary.
What Should You Do If You Get Sick?
If you develop respiratory symptoms like a fever, cough, fatigue, or a runny nose, stay home and away from others.
You can generally return to normal activities once your symptoms are improving overall AND you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. But feeling better doesn’t mean you magically become noncontagious at midnight; viruses unfortunately didn’t agree to those terms. The CDC recommends taking extra precautions—good hygiene, ventilation, and wearing a well-fitting mask—for the next five days, especially around high-risk individuals.
Masks, Clean Air, and Vaccination
You don’t need to return to wearing a mask everywhere. Think of masking as a tool, not an all-or-nothing lifestyle. A well-fitting mask is useful while recovering, after an exposure, in crowded indoor spaces, or around vulnerable loved ones.
Don’t forget cleaner air, either. Opening windows, improving ventilation, and using air filtration help reduce exposure. And handwashing still matters—your grandmother was right about that one. When it comes to vaccination, recommendations evolve. Review current options with your healthcare provider based on your health history.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, aren’t improving, or worsen after initially getting better. If you’re at high risk, reach out early even if symptoms seem mild, given that short treatment window. Seek emergency care immediately for difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain.
The Bottom Line
Yes, COVID activity is increasing again. No, we’re not back in 2021—and that context matters. Pay attention to symptoms, test when it guides your decisions, retest if you tested too early, and stay home when you’re sick.
COVID doesn’t need to dominate our lives, but pretending it no longer exists isn’t particularly helpful either. A little awareness and knowing what to do before you need to do it can go a long way.
Helpful COVID-19 Resources
- Current COVID, flu, and RSV activity: CDC Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel
- What to do when you’re sick: CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance
- At-home COVID testing and repeat testing: FDA At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests — FAQs
- COVID treatment information: CDC COVID-19 Treatment Options
- COVID vaccination: CDC COVID-19 Vaccines
- FDA information on COVID treatments: FDA COVID-19 Drugs and Treatments