The latest coronavirus wave in the United States driven by the Delta variant could soon peak, but experts warn against complacency and expect the virus will be part of everyday life for years to come.

But more than 1,800 people are still dying a day, and over 100,000 remain hospitalized with severe Covid -- a grim reminder of the challenges authorities have faced in getting enough Americans vaccinated in the face of misinformation and a polarized political climate.

To ensure gains are sustained, rapidly increasing the number of people vaccinated is vital.

Currently 63.1 percent of the eligible population over-12 are fully vaccinated, or 54 percent of the total population.

This places the United States well behind global leaders like Portugal and the UAE (81 and 79 percent fully vaccinated), despite its abundance of shots.

County-by-county analysis of the California recall vote

Newsom survives California recall election

Prior to the Delta wave, some experts declared that, between the percent of people vaccinated and those who had gained immunity through natural infection, the country was approaching the point of herd immunity

Rather than eradication, the goal has shifted toward taming the virus for vaccinated people such that in rare cases of breakthrough infections, the disease is more flu-like

However, uncertainties remain: for instance, people with breakthrough Covid infections might still get long Covid