High Levels of Respiratory Virus Activity Detected in Half of US States, CDC Reports
As the winter season continues, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that half of the United States is experiencing high levels of respiratory virus activity. The latest federal data, updated on Friday, reveals that 25 states, along with New York City and Washington, D.C., are currently facing “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity. While this number is slightly higher than the 23 states from the previous week, it is still fewer than the peak of 38 states that reported such levels at the end of December.
Respiratory illness activity encompasses various diseases, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold. It is defined as individuals seeking medical attention due to symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Despite the increase in activity, weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations have remained steady, with 21,373 recorded in the week ending February 10, slightly up from 21,204 the previous week. It is important to note that these hospitalization rates are lower compared to the same period last year.
The majority of counties across the country fall into the low hospital admission category, indicating fewer than 10 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people. Additionally, other metrics such as test positivity and emergency department visits have continued to decline, according to CDC data. Weekly COVID-19 deaths have also slightly decreased to 2,152 for the week ending January 20, compared to 2,457 the previous week. Experts have explained that deaths often lag behind hospitalizations and may take time to decrease.
In recent news, the CDC has identified a new variant of COVID-19 called BA.2.87.1. This variant has been detected nine times in South Africa but has not yet been reported in the United States or any other country outside of South Africa. The CDC has stated that the current public health risk associated with this variant appears to be low.
While flu hospitalizations have slightly declined from 11,073 to 10,787 in the week ending February 10, flu activity remains elevated nationwide. The mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Great Plains regions have seen increases in flu activity, according to the CDC. Since the beginning of the flu season, there have been an estimated 24 million illnesses, 260,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths related to the flu. Adults over the age of 65 continue to have the highest rates of both COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations.
Furthermore, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity has decreased in many areas and is likely peaking nationally for this season. Infants under the age of 4 have the highest rates of RSV hospitalizations. Health officials emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. However, vaccination rates in the United States are still lagging. Currently, only 47.6% of adults are vaccinated against the flu, and 22.3% have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, only 21.9% of adults over the age of 60 have received the RSV vaccine. Among children, 50% are vaccinated against the flu, but only 12.4% have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
As respiratory virus activity remains high in many states, health officials urge individuals to take necessary precautions such as practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded settings, and getting vaccinated. These measures can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly and young children. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about the latest updates from health authorities and prioritize their health during this challenging time.
