COVID-19 cases are rising: How to protect yourself this fall and winter

COVID-19 cases are increasing in California and across the country, continuing a pattern that has emerged in recent years as summer comes to an end.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that COVID-19 activity is on the rise statewide.

What experts are saying:

"We're seeing COVID-19 cases increase for a few reasons," explained Stuart H. Cohen, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Health. "Immunity from prior infections and vaccinations can fade over time, making people more vulnerable to getting sick. We also typically see a seasonal uptick in cases at the end of summer, which has been a consistent pattern over the past several years. At the same time, the virus continues to evolve, and new variants can help drive additional spread in the community."

What you can do to stay healthy

CDPH recommends the COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Among the more specific guidelines:

• COVID-19 vaccines should be available to everyone 6 months and older. Anyone who has not yet received a 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine, or is due for a second dose, should get vaccinated.
• Some groups, including young children and people who are immunocompromised, may need multiple doses.
• Adults 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised are recommended to receive two doses six months apart.

Updated vaccines are on the way

What's new:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 vaccines on Aug. 27 for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season.

The vaccines will be covered for most people through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.

What experts are saying:

"The updated vaccines are similar to previous COVID-19 vaccines, but they have been updated to better match the variants we're seeing today," Cohen said. "By targeting the strains currently circulating in the community, they can help strengthen protection against severe illness and hospitalization."

What to watch:

Updated vaccines are expected to become available in the coming weeks through health care providers and pharmacies.

• Schedule your vaccine appointment: UC Davis Health patients can schedule a COVID-19 vaccine dose at UC Davis Health when they become available. Most appointments can be made on your MyUCDavisHealth portal or by calling your clinic.

Looking ahead

Health experts expect COVID-19 activity to increase during the fall and winter months, when people spend more time indoors and respiratory viruses spread more easily.

While it's difficult to predict the size of any surge, some increase in cases is expected.

How to stay healthy this fall and winter:

In addition to staying up to date on recommended vaccines, people can take several simple steps to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowded indoor spaces: This is especially important during periods of increased virus activity.
• Stay home when you're sick: Help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
• Wear a high-quality mask: Choose an N95 or KN95 mask for crowded indoor settings or if you are at higher risk of severe illness.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of germs.
• Improve indoor ventilation: Open doors and windows when it is safe to do so, allowing fresh outdoor air to circulate.
• Talk with your health care provider: Preventive antibody treatments may help lower the risk of severe illness for those with weakened immune systems.

"People at higher risk, including older adults and those with weakened immune systems, should consider taking extra precautions during the fall and winter months," Cohen said. "Staying up to date on vaccinations and following basic prevention measures can go a long way toward reducing the risk of serious illness."