Ilness caused by respiratory viruses increases in USA – Times of India

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a recent update shared that the illness caused by respiratory viruses has increased in the US and noted that the healthcare visits regarding these viruses are now moderate and it is expected that with the flu season around, it can see a further rise. The CSC experts said that there will be fewer peak hospitalisations compared to the last season.
The data shared showed many affected by COVID 19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The center also mentioned that if a new variant of COVID does not emerge, the burden in hospitals will lower especially during the holiday season.

Increase in hospital visits

The CDC in a statement revealed that in the past week, the tests, visits for flu at the Emergency department, and outpatient illness all increased when compared to December first week and it also noted that at public health labs – influenza A made up nearly 97% of positive detections, and, 53.5% were the H3N2 strain and 46.2% were 2009 H1N1 (COVID). The CDC stressed how the hospitalizations also rose for all senior citizens, especially people aged about 75 because of the flu.
In the USA, Louisiana and Oregon have been reporting high numbers and of the 13 cases reported last week, two pediatric flu deaths caused by Influenza A and Influenza B occurred last week.

COVID tracking

With COVID still reporting high numbers, the CDC announced that of 1,20,000 people admitted to the hospital since October, 72,000 were affected by COVID, and 8,200 deaths were reported at that time.
CDC also noted that the most commonly reported variant at 45% and the only other variant showing a notable rise was LP.8.1, up from 4% to 8% over the past 2 weeks.