Respiratory Virus Activity High and Rising Across the United States, CDC Data Shows

As seasonal virus activity surges across the United States, experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including masking and vaccination, and the value of treatment for those who contract respiratory illnesses. Hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have surged, with tens of thousands of people admitted each week during the current season.

During the week ending December 23, over 29,000 patients were admitted with Covid-19, approximately 15,000 with the flu, and many more with RSV, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wastewater data indicates very high levels of Covid-19 transmission nationally, surpassing last year's levels in every region. Emergency department visits rose by 12%, and hospitalizations increased by about 17% in the most recent week.

While Covid-19 remains a leading cause of respiratory virus hospitalizations, flu activity is rapidly rising. The CDC estimates more than 7 million flu-related illnesses, 73,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths this season. RSV activity shows signs of slowing in some regions, but hospitalization rates remain elevated, particularly affecting young children and older adults.

Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, describes the current situation as a "triple threat" with Covid-19, flu, and RSV, along with additional complications like pneumococcal pneumonia.

Flu-like activity is reported as high or very high in two-thirds of the United States, with experts anticipating a potential increase in cases after the holiday season. Vaccination rates remain low, with only 19% of adults and 8% of children having received the latest Covid-19 vaccine. The new RSV vaccine has been received by 17% of adults aged 60 and older, and less than half of adults and children have received the flu vaccine.

Though hospital bed capacity remains stable nationally, hospitals in at least five states are reinstating mask mandates due to high respiratory virus levels. Vaccination, masking, and antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid and Tamiflu are recommended to reduce the risk of severe illness. Despite available treatments, the CDC notes that not enough people are taking advantage of them.

Seasonal respiratory virus activity can be challenging to predict, but CDC forecasts suggest elevated hospitalization rates for weeks, potentially resulting in a similar number of hospitalizations as the previous season. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, mask usage, and seeking timely treatment if experiencing symptoms to mitigate the impact of the ongoing respiratory virus surge.