More than 135,000 more deaths are expected in the United States within the next few months. That's according to the University of Washington who is predicting the grim number if behaviors don't change.

Meanwhile, experts say COVID-19 isn't easing its grip on the United States.

"This is going to be one of the most troubling times in our modern history," says Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine.

Health experts say the United States is facing a COVID-19 surge, one that could overwhelm hospitals.

"Not only do we anticipate a fall and winter rise in number of cases, I'm worried about the deaths significantly going up," says Dr. Hotez.

As more than 30 states in the United States have seen a rise in new COVID-19 cases in the past week, there have been some medical setbacks.

A trial for antibody treatment from Eli Lilly is halted because of a possible safety issue.

The move comes one day after Johnson & Johnson said it's pausing an advanced clinical trial of a vaccine for a similar concern.

"There are no quick fixes here. This is why we have to do science. I'm actually not discouraged by these pauses, this is why we do clinical trials. We'll get it right and we'll have great therapeutics. I'm not really worried about these, you know, speed bumps," says CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner.

That's why Americans are advised to not let their guard down over the next few months.

"This virus can spread among families and friends if you take your mask off and you are primarily indoors," says Dr. Deborah Birx, of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

There are more than 38 million known COVID-19 cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.