(NEXSTAR) – As we enter the new year, many states are seeing a surge in hospital visits due to respiratory illnesses.
Nationwide, the rate of emergency department visits for patients with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is now “very high,” the highest level reported by the CDC, according to the latest data. Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 visitor numbers are all increasing as we approach mid-January, but COVID-19 visitor numbers remain It is at a low level.
According to , the states with the most emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to COVID-19 are Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Hampshire. CDC.
CDC calculates activity levels (minimal, low, moderate, high, and very high) using baseline average disease activity levels during periods of low visitation for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV .
Children's hospitals have been busy since November with the RSV outbreak, but “we've also added influenza,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious disease specialist at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
“Now we are really starting to move forward,” he added. “Our hospital is busy.”
What are the symptoms of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19?
Anyone who has battled a mysterious respiratory illness may have wondered what exactly happens during recovery.
These symptoms can be especially troubling to concerned parents.
“Every child is exposed to infectious diseases for the first five years of life,'' says a pediatric infectious disease specialist. Dr. Frank Esper explained in a news release. “It can be difficult for parents to overcome their child's illness.”
Unfortunately, patients with RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 can present with many of the same symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, stuffy nose, and fatigue.
According to , medical professionals may use diagnostic tests to know for sure. National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
“Cough, runny nose, and fever are common to all respiratory viruses,” Dr. Esper says. “When I see a child with symptoms like this, I usually rely on laboratory tests to make an accurate diagnosis.”
However, there are some symptoms that are unique to influenza and RSV.
For example, with RSV, a child may wheeze, making whistling or rattling noises while breathing.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a very high fever of 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit is a hallmark sign of the flu.
How can I protect myself?
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated.Annual influenza vaccinationand they say it's never too late to take a shot.
You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as this can spread germs.health officials say. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Other bacteria are also being monitored
The CDC is also watching an increase in illnesses caused by norovirus, a nasty gastroenteritis, with 91 outbreaks.reportedEarly December.
Researchers are also closely monitoring another type of influenza virus, avian influenza A, H5N1. CDCsaySixty-six cases of the virus were reported in the United States last year, but none were reported last week.
Mr Reid said cases were “pretty sporadic” and the overall risk to the general public remained low. Almost all cases have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, and there is no evidence of human transmission.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
