A fourth respiratory virus is causing concern as cases of COVID-19, flu, and norovirus rise nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is on the rise, with wastewater levels reaching “moderate” levels across the US.
The CDC’s wastewater monitoring systems show that RSV levels had been low since January 2024 but rose in mid-December, marking a significant change. As people spend more time indoors during winter months, experts say respiratory viruses can spread quickly.
Wastewater testing serves as an early warning system for public health professionals to prevent outbreaks. Data from the CDC can help detect changes in illness levels in individual states.
Symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are often similar to those of a cold but may appear later. To differentiate between symptoms, look for:
* Fever, muscle aches, and fatigue (rare with a cold)
* A headache more common with flu and COVID-19
* A dry cough more common with COVID-19
The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against the flu to combat its spread. While vaccination provides full protection in two weeks, it can prevent serious illness.
As of now, at least 5.3 million illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths have occurred from the flu during this season, with more cases expected as the flu season continues.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/01/07/covid-flu-norovirus-rsv-spread-map/77489152007