The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about high respiratory virus activity in the US, with cases increasing across the country. According to the CDC, there have been over 1,500 deaths from flu so far this year.
Respiratory illness activity, which measures conditions like common colds, flu, COVID-19, and RSV, is currently at a “high” level in the US. New Hampshire is listed as having “very high” activity, while 11 states have “high” activity. Moderation levels are seen in 29 states, with low levels in four remaining states.
COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV cases are on the rise, with emergency department visits and positive test results increasing nationwide. The CDC reports at least 3.1 million illnesses, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 1,500 deaths from flu so far this season.
The agency also notes an increase in COVID-19 virus detection in wastewater and emergency department visits. RSV cases are particularly concerning for children, with five pediatric deaths reported during the week of Dec. 21.
Vaccination coverage remains low, with only 41.9% of adults vaccinated against flu and 21.4% vaccinated against the updated COVID-19 vaccine as of Dec. 21. The CDC urges vaccination to protect against respiratory virus infections.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/respiratory-virus-activity-high-cases-flu-covid-19/story?id=117207716