COVID-19 cases are rising in many states. What experts say makes this summer different.

• Many who managed to avoid getting infected may be getting COVID this summer.
• COVID this summer might be mild, but still good to be cautious, experts say
• Reinfections are still occurring regardless of vaccination status.

Shortly before the start of the third summer of the pandemic, the USA is undergoing a sixth wave of COVID-19 cases.

Compared with previous surges, this one looks more like a swell, health experts said.

The rise in cases reported in the Northeast in recent weeks appears to have peaked, but upward trends continue in at least 21 states, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. Health experts said cases are likely higher because of underreported home tests.