As respiratory illness activity remains high in many states across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported concerning trends in the latest data. Half of all states, along with New York City and Washington, D.C., are currently experiencing high levels of respiratory illness activity, with 25 states classified as at “high” or “very high” levels.
Despite the increase in respiratory illness activity, weekly COVID hospitalizations have remained steady, with 21,373 recorded for the week ending Feb. 10. However, this number is lower than the same time last year. Other metrics such as test positivity and emergency department visits have continued to decline. Weekly COVID deaths have also slightly decreased, though experts caution that it may take time for deaths to fall after hospitalizations.
A new COVID variant, BA.2.87.1, has been identified in South Africa but has not yet been reported in the U.S. Meanwhile, flu hospitalizations have slightly decreased, but national flu activity remains elevated. RSV activity, on the other hand, has decreased in many areas, likely peaking for the season.
Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID, and RSV, but vaccination rates continue to lag behind. Currently, only around 47.6% of adults are vaccinated against the flu, with rates of 22.3% for COVID and 21.9% for RSV. Among children, 50% are vaccinated against the flu, but only 12.4% have received the updated COVID vaccine.
These latest trends highlight the importance of getting vaccinated and taking precautions to protect against respiratory illnesses as the nation continues to navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. Stay informed and stay safe, Heartland readers.
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