The United States is currently witnessing an uptick in influenza infections, with 38 states reporting high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses. This wave of illnesses includes not just people with the flu, but also those affected by Covid-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and other winter viruses. The flu season, already at an elevated level, is expected to continue for several more weeks, despite being considered a moderate flu season so far.
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Flu Infections and Related Activities
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase in most parts of the country. Moderate activity has been reported in six jurisdictions, while high or very high activity has been experienced in 39 jurisdictions. This flu season, 27 deaths have been reported so far, with the predominant virus circulating being the influenza A H1N1 pdm09. The CDC also monitors outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses, known as influenza-like illness (ILI), which is critical in providing a comprehensive picture of influenza and other respiratory virus activity.
Impact on Hospitals and Healthcare Systems
The concurrent spike in flu and COVID-19 cases has prompted hospitals across the country to reintroduce mask mandates and limit visitors. Health officials are predicting hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and many thousands of deaths across the country. Despite these measures, vaccination rates against RSV remain disappointingly low, causing an additional surge in respiratory illnesses and further strain on healthcare systems.
Current Flu Season Statistics
Since October, there have been at least 10 million flu illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 6,500 deaths, including 27 children. While COVID-19 hospitalizations have not matched flu levels, they are still responsible for a significant number of hospital admissions.
Emergence of the JN.1 Variant
A new version of the coronavirus, known as the JN.1 variant, accounts for nearly two-thirds of U.S. cases. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes more severe disease than other recent variants. Current evidence indicates that vaccines and antiviral medications are effective against this variant.
The Risk of Coinfection
While the U.S. experiences a surge in both flu and COVID-19 cases, co-infection with both viruses appears to be rare. About 3% of people hospitalized with the flu also test positive for COVID-19. The CDC recommends testing for both flu and COVID-19, as early detection can affect treatment options and recovery time.
Preventive Measures and Actions
With the rise of these respiratory illnesses, vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness, including hospitalization and death. It is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups, such as adults over 65 and children under 4, who have the highest rates of hospitalizations. In case of symptoms, getting tested and consulting with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about treatment options is advised. As part of preventive measures, every household in the U.S. can order four free COVID tests shipped directly to their home at covid.gov.
