COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Many states, including Ohio, are experiencing a surge in trips to the emergency room triggered by respiratory issues as 2025 begins, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting.
Nationally, emergency department visits from patients suffering from influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now “very high,” the CDC’s most top level, according to the most recent data. Flu, RSV and COVID-19 visits are all increasing as of mid-January, however, COVID visits are still at a low level.
The CDC calculates its activity levels (minimal, low, moderate, high, very high) with a baseline of the average illness activity level when COVID, flu and RSV visits are low.
A CDC map of acute respiratory illness cases across the U.S. shows Ohio at the second-highest level. Other states listed as “high” include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Data last updated on January 1, 2025. (Credit: CDC)Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
“Now we’re really starting to roll,” Newland added. “Our hospitals are busy.”
According to the CDC, the states with the most ER visits for respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to COVID-19 are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
What are the symptoms of flu, RSV and COVID-19?
Anyone who has experienced a mysterious respiratory illness might have wondered what made them sick. For concerned parents, debilitating symptoms in their children can be especially troubling.
“Every child runs a gauntlet of infections during the first five years of their life,” pediatric infectious disease specialist Frank Esper, MD explained in a news release. “Navigating childhood illnesses can be challenging for parents.”
Unfortunately, RSV, flu and COVID-19 can arrive with many of the same symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, congestion and tiredness.
To know for sure, healthcare professionals may use a diagnostic test, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
“Cough, runny nose and fever are common to all respiratory viruses,” said Dr. Esper. “When I see a child with these symptoms, I usually rely on a laboratory test to make an accurate diagnosis.”
Some symptoms are unique to influenza and RSV. With RSV, children can develop a wheeze that creates a whistle or rattle sound during breathing. The Cleveland Clinic notes that extremely high fevers — 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit — are a distinctive sign of the flu.
How can I protect myself?
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination, and it is not too late to get a shot.
People should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way, according to health officials. Additional steps include washing hands with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Other germs are being watched
The CDC has been watching a rise in illnesses from norovirus, a nasty stomach bug, with 91 outbreaks reported early in December.
Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC said 66 human U.S. cases were reported last year, but none in the last week.
The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( MAP: CDC reports surge in respiratory illnesses in Ohio, nationwide )
Also on site :
- Everything You Need to Know About Fan-Favorite Kewpie Mayo
- Watch Ryan Reynolds Dodge Questions About Travis Kelce's Instagram Unfollow
- Powerful blast rocks residential building in Moscow