Respiratory virus activity is continuing to rise across the U.S. with flu, COVID-19 and RSV all contributing to increased healthcare visits, according to a Dec. 13 CDC report.
Six jurisdictions reported high or very high respiratory illness activity to the CDC's Outpatient Infuenza-llike Illness Surveillance Network for the week ending Dec. 7: California, Oregon, Arizona, Louisiana, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. The network captures outpatient visits for flu-like illness, meaning patients who have a fever plus a cough or sore throat.
Here are four virus updates:
- Influenza activity is escalating across the U.S., with the clinical lab test positivity rate increasing to 5.1% from 3.5% the previous week. CDC reported rising flu-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, particularly among seniors, who are experiencing the highest hospitalization rates. Outpatient visits for flu-like illness have also surpassed the national baseline, now at 3.4%.
- COVID-19 activity is beginning to rise from very low levels, with the CDC noting a slight uptick in wastewater viral activity and test positivity rates. While national figures for COVID-19 remain relatively low, the CDC predicts that cases will likely continue to increase as winter approaches.
- Wastewater surveillance, which helps track viral activity in the community, shows low levels of both COVID-19 and influenza A across most of the country. Although wastewater viral activity remains low, the slight increase in COVID-19 and flu cases indicates these viruses may be circulating more widely. Wastewater monitoring in the Midwest continues to show the highest concentrations of both viruses.
- RSV continues to affect the youngest populations, with RSV-related ED visits and hospitalizations climbing. The CDC reports that hospitalization rates are also climbing in older adults in certain areas. Although test positivity has decreased to 7.6%, it remains a major concern for pediatric and elderly populations.