COVID-19 cases are low in Tennessee, but they're growing, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The latest data from the CDC, reported on Aug. 28, shows that COVID-19 activity is increasing nationally while seasonal influenza and RSV activity remain low.
In Tennessee, respiratory illness level and emergency department visits for COVID-19 are marked as "very low," but the CDC notes virus spread is growing in the state. There are 47 other U.S. states also marked "growing."
That trend is likely part of the "summer surge," a pattern doctors have observed since 2022. A combination of behavioral changes, such as spending more time in air conditioning or going back to school, and the way our immunity to the virus'
life cycle rises and falls create this pattern.
Flu season technically lasts from October to May, but the peak months are November, December, January and February, said Dr. Shirin Mazumder, an infectious disease doctor with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 follow a similar October to May pattern, according to the American Medical Association.
Where can I get COVID booster, flu shot?
Most retail pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS and Kroger carry COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot and are available for walk-ins. Many primary care doctors’ offices carry them as well.
Methodist Minor Medical Centers, which have several locations in the Memphis metro area, are also available for walk-ins for flu shots. Baptist Medical Group primary care clinics also offer flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at various Memphis-area locations.
Flu shots are free with most insurance. They can also be co-administered with other vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, for convenience.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: COVID-19 cases are low, but rising.Where to get vaccines in Memphis
