Flu, COVID, RSV Cases Rising In US; Masking, Vaccinations Recommended

ACROSS AMERICA – Flu activity rose across the United States this week, and federal regulators recommended people wear a mask amid a simultaneous increase in cases of COVID-19 and RSV.

Across the country, flu cases trended up 6.8 percent for the week, according to updated data published Friday morning by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most frequently reported strain was A(H1N1).

Four children died of flu this week, bringing the season’s total to 12. The CDC estimated that there have been at least 2.6 million illnesses, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 1,600 deaths from flu so far this season.

“Seasonal flu activity continues to increase in most parts of the country, with the southeast and south-central areas of the country reporting the highest levels of activity,” the CDC said.

Nationally and in six regions, flu cases increased. Activity was considered high or very high in 15 states this week, mostly in the West, South and Southeast, though it was high in New York City and New Jersey as well, according to the CDC.

The CDC expects cases to continue to rise, with 4,500-15,000 flu hospitalizations likely reported in the week ending Dec. 23.

The flu spike comes as hospitalizations for COVID-19 rose 10 percent nationally during the week ending Nov. 25, for which the most recent data was available. More than 19,000 people were hospitalized that week,

RSV cases have steadily climbed nationally as well, rapidly increasing since mid-September and peaking in late November and into early December.

On Wednesday, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen released a video declaring “Virus season is here!” RSV is elevated in the United States, while flu continues to increase and COVID-19 starts to increase, she said. The country is also seeing rising cases of pneumonia.

“We’re seeing more respiratory illnesses and pneumonias in the United States and around the world,” Cohen said. “But right now we’re not seeing anything new or unfamiliar in terms of virus or sickness.”

Cohen recommended people protect themselves and their families from sickness by getting updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and RSV vaccines for people over 60 years old. She also recommended that people take additional precautions, such as avoiding people who are sick, washing hands, improving ventilation and wearing a mask.

Those who are sick ought to stay home, get tested and seek treatment.

In November, the federal government said every home in the United States can order an additional four free tests. Those who did not order free tests over the fall can place two orders for a total of eight tests.