As the summer season arrives, fear of a surge in COVID-19 cases grips the local community of 25 United States.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that COVID-19 infections, notably the NB.1.8.1, the Nimbus strain, show no signs of declining or likely declining in 0 states, and not changing in 21 states.

And so far, the highest number of cases logged in are from California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio, among others.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declares NB.1.8.1 as a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with increasing proportions. The organization claims that this variant does not indicate any severity greater than other variants, and can be treated through the approved COVID-19 vaccines.

NB.1.8.1 is known for sore throat, and individuals with this variant experience a painful throat.

Generally, the summer spike of COVID-19 cases is fueled by summer holidays, indoor retreats in air-conditioned rooms, which allow more risk of virus transmission, and increased social gatherings to beat the heat.

"SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the United States has been meaningful year-round, but consistent peaks have occurred in late summer and winter since 2020," the CDC explains.

"Our analysis revealed biannual COVID-19 peaks in late summer and winter, a pattern that is expected to persist as long as the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and cyclical S1 diversity continues."

Although the summer wave of the new COVID-19 variant may have mild symptoms, it is crucial to remain safe from the Nimbus strain. Here are some essential tips for you to keep in mind amid the ongoing spread of the deadly COVID-19 variant.