Respiratory virus-related illnesses are rising in the US

Respiratory virus-related illnesses have been on the rise in the United States, as evidenced by recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has reported a notable increase in influenza activity, which has transitioned from low levels to moderate, with hospitalizations rising across all age groups. In addition to influenza, COVID-19 cases are also showing an upward trend, particularly in wastewater detections across the Midwest. Estimates suggest that between October 1st and late December 2024, there could be as many as 120,000 hospitalizations and up to 13,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19 alone .

Oregon and Louisiana are seeing very high levels of the flu, Covid, RSV and other respiratory illnesses for the week ending December 14, the latest data available.

While California, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, Washington, DC and New York City are reporting high levels. 

Outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms increased 10.82%, according to ODH’s report, making up 3.38% of all outpatient visits.

Emergency department visits for fever and flu-like symptoms increased 13.87%, and emergency department visits for constitutional symptoms, which non-specific symptoms like fatigue and body aches, increased 5.19%

In its COVID tracking, the CDC said wastewater levels, ED visits, and test positivity continue to increase from low levels, with wastewater detections remaining at the moderate level nationally and highest in the Midwest. 

In new estimates, the CDC said 72,000 to 120,000 people have been hospitalized for COVID since October 1, along with 8,200 to 13,000 deaths over the same time period.

Meanwhile, in its latest variant proportion projections today, the CDC reported a further rise in XEC viruses, which are now the most commonly reported variant, at 45%. The only other variant showing a notable rise was LP.8.1, up from 4% to 8% over the past 2 weeks.

Moreover, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has emerged as a significant concern. A study published in JAMA Network Open indicates a steep rise in RSV-associated hospitalizations among adults over the past several years. The data reveal substantial variations across age demographics and seasonal patterns of infection. This increase is particularly alarming given that RSV can lead to severe respiratory complications and even death among vulnerable populations such as infants and older adults.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), another lesser-known respiratory pathogen, has demonstrated an unprecedented surge during early spring of this year. Positivity rates for HMPV were significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels; while most cases present mild symptoms akin to those of a common cold, they can escalate into more serious conditions requiring hospitalization—especially among young children under five years old . Collectively, these trends underscore an urgent need for enhanced surveillance and public health interventions aimed at mitigating the impacts of respiratory viruses in the U.S.

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Sarah H

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