Widespread Respiratory Illnesses in the U.S. Intensify During Holidays

New government data reveals a significant increase in respiratory illnesses across the U.S., with the flu season hitting harder than in recent years.

Jordan Taylor

2024-01-06
Updated 10:34 AM ET

(NewsNibs) - Amid the festive season, the United States saw a worrying rise in respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19. Government data indicated that 38 states reported high or very high levels of respiratory sickness, escalating from 31 states the week before. These measures account for various conditions, such as common winter viruses, RSV, in addition to the flu and COVID-19. However, the flu has shown the most dramatic uptick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current flu levels are expected to remain elevated for several more weeks, making this a moderate flu season. Typically, flu activity peaks between December and February, yet the current trends suggest a challenging period for public health systems.

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen's Insights

CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen has projected this season's flu peak to occur by the end of January. She also highlighted that this season's flu vaccines are well matched to the circulating strain, which is essential in preventing widespread infections. Since the onset of this season in October, the CDC has estimated a minimum of 10 million flu illnesses, leading to over 110,000 hospitalizations and approximately 6,500 deaths. Notably, there have been 27 pediatric flu-related fatalities reported thus far.

COVID-19 and New Variants

COVID-19 hospitalizations, though significant, haven't surged to the heights observed in the last three winters. Nevertheless, more patients are currently in hospitals due to COVID-19 than to flu-related complications. The U.S. is experiencing its second surge of COVID-19 cases after a smaller peak in September. A new variant of the coronavirus, identified as JN.1, comprises almost two-thirds of U.S. cases. Despite its prevalence, there is no evidence at this time to suggest that JN.1 is more virulent than other recent variants, providing some respite amidst concerns over the new strain.

As respiratory illnesses continue to pose a challenge, the CDC encourages flu vaccination and remains vigilant in monitoring COVID-19 and flu trends to support state and local health departments in their response efforts. With a collective focus on health and safety measures, the nation braces to weather the season's flu peak and the persistent rise in COVID-19 cases.