As summer ends, COVID-19 activity is climbing on both sides of the Atlantic, prompting health officials in Spain and the United States to issue new alerts about rising infections.
Spain sees rise in COVID-19 cases
Dr. MarĂa del Mar Tomás, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), said recent weeks have brought a noticeable uptick in respiratory infections, with COVID-19 accounting for much of the increase.
Data from Galicia show consultations for respiratory illness grew about 7% compared with the prior week, and the surge is largely linked to COVID-19 rather than flu.
Officials point to the end of summer holidays as a key factor. Students returning to classrooms and workers resuming offices increase close contact, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
Unlike the typical flu season, influenza has not yet peaked in Spain, leaving more room for COVID-19 to dominate the respiratory-illness picture.
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National surveillance from the SiVIRA system recorded SARS-CoV-2 positivity climbing from 2.8% to 7% between consecutive weeks at the end of July, illustrating how quickly community spread can shift.
United States reports growing COVID activity
Modeling data released two days earlier indicated that infections were growing or likely growing in 27 states, declining or likely declining in 13, and showing little change in 10.
Wastewater monitoring continues to serve as an early warning system, detecting rises in community transmission before individuals seek medical care.
Infectious-disease specialists note that the virus has historically shown late-summer spikes, a pattern that persists despite the milder impact compared with the early pandemic.
People at higher risk—particularly adults over 65 and those with underlying health conditions—remain vulnerable to severe outcomes, even as overall case severity is lower.
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Regulators in the United States approved updated vaccine formulations in late August, targeting the variants most common at the time, though federal guidance on booster eligibility has not been refreshed for the current year.
Vaccination Guidance for Autumn Travelers
Health authorities in Spain have issued recommendations for the 2026-27 season that prioritize boosters for individuals most likely to experience severe disease. The guidance emphasizes that older adults and people with chronic conditions should receive the vaccine before the colder months begin.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the latest vaccine versions in August, yet federal agencies have not released a new eligibility schedule for this year. Medical groups have also recommended vaccination more broadly, including for many healthy adults.
Preventive Measures Beyond Vaccination
Spanish clinicians recommend improving airflow in indoor settings, especially in locations where vulnerable individuals gather. Simple actions such as opening windows or using air-purifying devices can lower the concentration of airborne particles.
Mask use remains advisable in crowded environments, including public transportation and venues where social distancing is difficult. The guidance targets scenarios where close contact with high-risk persons is likely, aiming to reduce transmission without imposing blanket mandates.