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 all states in the US are currently experiencing high levels of respiratory virus activity. This update comes as new federal data reveals that 25 states, along with New York City and Washington, D.C., are facing “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity. While this number is higher than the 23 states that reported high activity levels last week, it is still fewer than the peak of 38 states at the end of December.
Respiratory illness activity encompasses various diseases, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold. The CDC defines it 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. This figure is slightly higher than the previous week’s count of 21,204. However, it is important to note that COVID-19 hospitalizations remain lower than they were at the same time last year.
Most counties across the US fall into the low hospital admission category, indicating fewer than 10 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people. Moreover, other metrics such as test positivity rates and emergency department visits have continued to decline, according to CDC data. The number of weekly COVID-19 deaths has also slightly decreased, with 2,152 deaths recorded in the week ending January 20 compared to 2,457 deaths in the previous week. Experts have previously explained that deaths are a lagging indicator and may take some time to decrease following hospitalizations.
In addition to monitoring COVID-19 cases, the CDC has announced its tracking of a new variant known as BA.2.87.1. This variant has been detected nine times in South Africa but has not yet been reported in the US 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 the previous week, with 10,787 cases recorded 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 start of the flu season, there have been an estimated 24 million illnesses, 260,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths related to the flu.
It is worth noting that adults over the age of 65 continue to have the highest rates of both COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations. Additionally, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) 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 strongly recommend that all eligible individuals receive their updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as RSV shots. However, vaccination rates in the US still lag behind. Currently, only 47.6% of adults are vaccinated against the flu, and 22.3% have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, just 21.9% of adults over the age of 60 have received the RSV vaccine. Among children, 50% are vaccinated against the flu, while only 12.4% have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
As respiratory virus activity remains high in many states, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and take necessary precautions. Getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can help protect against these respiratory illnesses and reduce their spread. By staying informed and following the guidance of health officials, we can all contribute to a healthier and safer community.
