Right now, respiratory illness activity in the US is at a ‘high’ level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ABC News reports that New Hampshire is facing an even ‘very high’ level of activity, and about 11 other states, including Texas and Georgia, are also experiencing ‘high’ rates. This increase in respiratory issues, which includes COVID-19, the seasonal flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), has led to more people visiting emergency rooms and higher test positivity rates.
As of December, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 3.1 million flu-related illnesses, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 1,500 deaths this flu season. Unfortunately, pediatric flu deaths have risen to nine. The CDC has warned that COVID-19 cases are likely to increase as the winter continues.
Despite this, vaccination rates remain low, with only 41.9% of adults getting the flu vaccine and just 21.4% receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine. There are vaccines for RSV for certain adults, but they are not widely given. The CDC stresses the importance of getting vaccinated to help fight these serious respiratory viruses.
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