The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that respiratory virus activity remains high across the nation, with COVID-19 levels rising, flu indicators still elevated, and RSV activity very high in many regions. According to the latest illness updates, test positivity for COVID is stable but on the rise for RSV.
The CDC said 43 states are reporting very high or high flu activity, with nearly 98% of flu-positive samples being influenza A. Hospitalization rates are rising for all three viruses, with the highest levels for flu. Six more pediatric flu deaths were reported, raising the season’s total to 17.
COVID hospitalizations continue to rise from a low level, and emergency department visits are increasing, especially among seniors and young children. Deaths from all three viruses account for 1.5% of overall deaths, with COVID deaths remaining highest among seniors. The CDC warns that wastewater tracking shows levels are increasing in all regions, particularly in the Midwest.
The rising trend in respiratory virus activity is attributed to various factors, including changes in health-seeking behaviors over the holidays. The CDC emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to recommended public health measures to combat the ongoing pandemic.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/us-respiratory-disease-markers-remain-high-flu-covid-rsv