Flu and Respiratory Virus Activity Increases Across the U.S.
After a three-week decline, flu cases have risen and are currently high throughout the United States, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 levels are also elevated in certain regions of the country.
Overall, acute respiratory illness levels are low to moderate in most areas, although Alabama and Arkansas are categorized as high. COVID-19 cases have remained steady for much of the nation, but there is growth or potential growth in 11 states. Flu cases are on the rise in 13 states, while RSV cases are increasing in 21 states.
Increase in Pediatric Flu Deaths
Flu A rates are holding steady, while flu B is starting to spread more across the nation. Out of 692 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since late September, a significant 90.5% belong to subclade K, which has mutations that help it evade immunity from the current flu vaccine.
As of January 24, 4.7% of healthcare visits were for respiratory illnesses, slightly above the baseline level. The hospitalization rate for flu was 59.5 per 100,000 people, leading to a total of 15,080 admissions, part of an overall downward trend. Sadly, eight more children have died from the flu this season, bringing the total to 52 pediatric deaths.
The positivity rates for tests show 5.3% for COVID-19, 6.3% for RSV, and 18.0% for flu, which is an increase from last week’s figures of 5.1%, 5.3%, and 17.2%, respectively. Emergency department (ED) visit percentages were 0.7% for COVID-19, unchanged from the previous week; 3.4% for flu, up from 3.2%; and 0.5% for RSV, indicating no change.
RSV Hospitalizations Highest Among Infants
Though hospitalizations are generally decreasing, they are rising for infants under one year old, and ED visits for children aged 5 to 17 are increasing. The highest ED visits for RSV are among infants and preschoolers, with hospitalizations peaking for infants as well.
Wastewater testing shows high concentrations of COVID-19 in several states, including Connecticut, Iowa, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. Influenza A levels are high in South Dakota and Vermont, while RSV is notably high in Maryland, Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Virginia.
The CDC also highlighted that national vaccine uptake for COVID-19, flu, and RSV remains low among both adults and children. They emphasized that vaccination can help protect against severe illness during this season and reassured that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
