This summer is experiencing a massive surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the US, according to health officials. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed nearly 40 states have been reporting high activity levels of the virus since February. There has also been a spike in emergency room visits.

According to experts, a few important factors to note, include the possibility that the virus continues to evolve to stay ahead of immune systems. “That's what we can talk about when we're talking about variants," Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, told CBS Mornings Show.

"Two, your immunity to infection only lasts about three months. Your immunity to severe disease, hospitalization, and death, lasts much longer, which is why people are not getting sick the way they were early in the pandemic. But it is to be expected that every few months, maybe twice a year or so, we'll see a big wave of COVID across the country," she added.

According to doctors, a lot of people are now either traveling or spending more time indoors without bothering to wear a mask as much. Experts believe these not only add to the concerning risk of a COVID-19 outbreak but can even witness deadlier waves than before. However, doctors recommend following the current guidelines strictly.

"You should be staying away from others for at least 24 hours, at least until your fever resolves without the help of a medication like Tylenol, and your symptoms are improving," Dr. Gounder said.

Ways to protect yourself

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, you must:

• Isolate for at least five days
• Wear a mask whenever you go around in public places
• Open your home windows to let air circulation be there
• Use HEPA air filtration units to reduce the risk of transmission

Doctors are also suggesting people go for COVID-19 testing and precautions at the first sign they feel. "If you're feeling sick, probably you should get tested. When you're feeling sick, you should not be around other people to the degree that you can avoid that," she said.

“And masks, contrary to some opinions, do work to protect you if you're wearing an N95 or KN95 mask, and they also work to protect other people if you're infected," Dr. Gounder added.