Jes, an infectious disease epidemiologist and science communicator, discusses the recent summer surge in COVID-19 cases. She explains how behavioral changes and viral mutations contribute to this annual pattern. The conversation touches on the role of wastewater data in monitoring cases and the importance of personal responsibility in public health. Jes also addresses vaccination strategies, the emergence of FLIRT variants, and offers practical advice for staying safe as we head into the fall, highlighting the challenges of tracking respiratory viruses.