During this time of heightened respiratory illness activity, it’s crucial to prioritize public health measures to mitigate the spread of infections like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or runny nose, it’s best to stay home to prevent further transmission of any potential illness you may have contracted.
As we move further into the new year, the prevalence of these respiratory illnesses is expected to increase. According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of January 12, cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV are notably elevated across a majority of the United States.
Nationwide surveillance conducted by the CDC indicates that 37 states are currently experiencing high or very high levels of respiratory illness activity, a stark increase compared to previous months. Furthermore, COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels are also alarmingly high nationwide, with escalating levels detected across all regions, according to the CDC.
In addition to monitoring confirmed virus cases, the CDC is closely tracking reports of general respiratory illness symptoms, such as fever combined with cough or sore throat. The data reveals a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking medical care for these symptoms, even if they have not undergone specific virus testing, indicating a widespread trend across most areas of the country.
“It is common this time of year to see increases in respiratory viruses, but we have seen one of the highest peaks in COVID-19 activity that we have had since the start of the pandemic, and flu activity has been at one of the highest rates we have seen in the past five years,” said Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD. He is the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
Over the past week, there has been a notable decrease in flu cases, flu-related hospitalizations, and RSV cases, which the CDC attributes partially to reduced monitoring and healthcare visits during the holiday season. Specifically, the CDC’s data for the week ending January 6 indicates a 14 percent drop in flu-positive test results, although there has been a concerning increase in flu-related deaths, with 40 children succumbing to influenza in the United States so far this season.
Despite some localized declines in RSV cases, the CDC’s January 11 release affirms that RSV activity remains heightened nationwide across all regions, particularly among young children and older adults who are experiencing elevated hospitalization rates.
Regarding COVID-19, the latest CDC report suggests a potential slowdown in infections, accompanied by a decrease in emergency room visits. However, recent updates reveal a 3.2 percent increase in COVID-related hospitalizations and a significant surge in deaths, up by 14.3 percent over the last week. The CDC underscores the highly transmissible nature of the dominant variant, JN.1, though there’s no current evidence suggesting it causes more severe illness than other circulating strains.
Experts caution that these trends might signal a forthcoming rise in viral activity, especially with the post-holiday period typically witnessing increased transmission rates. Furthermore, the return of children to schools and daycare centers could exacerbate the spread of infections, potentially leading to further upticks in the coming weeks, as indicated by Hopkins.
Monitoring Hospitalizations and Those Considered Extremely Vulnerable
Currently, the occupancy rate of hospital beds, including those in intensive care units, is steady across the country. However, given the anticipated increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter months, health authorities are vigilantly observing hospital admissions to stay ahead of any potential surge.
“I don’t think we’re at a risk of overwhelming our hospitals right now — we’re nowhere near the crisis levels of 2020 and 2021, when many facilities were filled beyond capacity,” Aaron Glatt, MD, shared. He is the chief of infectious diseases and hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York. “Still, some hospitals are seeing significant increases.”
The CDC reports that the most vulnerable groups to various viruses are the elderly and the very young. Among emergency department visits, the highest percentage of cases with a COVID-19 diagnosis occurs in children under 2 years old and adults aged 65 and above. Additionally, visits attributed to diagnosed RSV are most prevalent among children under 4 years old, while influenza-related visits peak among school-aged children (5 to 17 years old), followed by those under 4 years old.
When it comes to fatalities caused by COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, the elderly population, aged 65 and above, bears the highest burden. This highlights the critical importance of targeted interventions and preventive measures for these age groups.
“Many of those people have an underlying chronic medical condition — such as diabetes, heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — that puts them at extra risk,” stated William Schaffner, MD, who works as an infectious disease specialist and a professor of preventive medicine and health policy at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nonwhite communities seem to experience a disproportionate impact when it comes to respiratory illnesses. Recent data from the CDC reveals that hospitalization rates for influenza are elevated among non-Hispanic Black Americans compared to other racial and ethnic demographics. Moreover, fatalities resulting from major respiratory diseases are most prevalent among American Indian/Alaska Natives and Asians/Pacific Islanders. This indicates a concerning trend wherein minority populations bear a heavier burden of respiratory health issues, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support within these communities.
“These populations are less likely to have primary care, more likely to smoke cigarettes, less likely to be vaccinated, and more likely to work in lower-paying jobs without access to sick leave,” said Dr. Hopkins. “These social factors contribute to the disparity in severe illness among these populations.”
Taking Precautions to Maintain Health
Amidst the ongoing bout of illness this season, health authorities stress the importance of adopting protective measures to safeguard oneself and the community:
- Regular Handwashing: The CDC underscores the significance of frequent handwashing, as it can thwart as many as 1 in 5 respiratory infections.
- Masking in Crowded Indoor Settings: In bustling indoor environments, donning well-fitted masks or respirators over the mouth and nose proves pivotal in curbing germ transmission during activities like breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing, as per CDC guidelines.
- Self-Isolation and Treatment: Dr. Glatt emphasizes the intuitive wisdom of refraining from close contact with others when contagious, and avoiding proximity to those exhibiting symptoms of illness.
- Vaccination: Dr. Schaffner highlights the critical role of vaccination in mitigating the risk of illness and severe disease, underscoring the concerning consequences of low vaccination rates.
These measures collectively contribute to fostering a healthier and safer environment amidst the persistent health challenges we face.
“Although I don’t think this respiratory virus season will be the worst on record, I think it is moderately severe,” he said. “So get vaccinated and take whatever other precautions you can to stay well and prevent spreading the illness to others.”
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