CDC Reports Heightened COVID, Flu, and other Respiratory Illness Activity

Respiratory illnesses – from COVID, flu, RSV, and the common cold – are elevated or increasing across most areas of the U.S., according to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reminds the public there is more capacity than ever before to help prevent severe illnesses from these diseases.

In total, 15 states plus New York City are experiencing “high” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity, defined as people going to the doctor with symptoms from any respiratory disease. Looking at COVID, the CDC’s two severity indicators – hospitalizations and deaths – both showed notable rises, with hospitalizations up 17.6% and deaths up 25% compared to the week before. In its analysis of variants, the CDC singled out JN.1, which falls under the Omicron subvariant BA.2.86. Over the last 2 weeks, the JN.1 level jumped from 8.1% to 21.4%, and the CDC said its continued growth suggests increased transmissibility or better evasion of immune systems. It added lab data suggests the updated COVID vaccine protects against JN.1 and other variants. When it comes to vaccinations, uptake for the flu vaccine has been much higher than for the COVID vaccine. Flu activity continues to increase in most areas, with the southeast and south-central areas of the U.S. reporting the highest levels of activity,. In addition to vaccines, the resources available to help prevent severe cases of respiratory illnesses include widely available, effective treatments; testing that can help protect family, friends, and coworkers; and measures like masking, physical distancing, washing hands, and improving airflow. Read more at ABC News and the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.