the United States is experiencing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses.
6 days ago
As of February 14, 2025, the United States is experiencing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting elevated activity levels nationwide. The CDC’s Respiratory Virus Activity Levels dashboard indicates that the percentage of emergency department visits for acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) has reached high levels across the country.
Influenza activity has notably intensified, with test positivity rates increasing to 31.6%. This surge has led to a higher number of hospitalizations and outpatient visits compared to previous seasons. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million flu cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths so far this season.
COVID-19 activity remains elevated in many areas, with test positivity rates at 4.9%. While not as pronounced as the flu, COVID-19 continues to contribute to the overall burden on healthcare systems.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity, on the other hand, is declining in most regions, with test positivity rates decreasing to 6.6%. Despite this decline, RSV has significantly impacted young children and older adults earlier in the season.
The CDC’s data also highlights that the current flu season is among the most intense in at least 15 years, with 43 states reporting high or very high flu activity. Schools in several states have closed due to widespread flu among students and staff.
Given the heightened levels of respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends the following preventive measures:
- Vaccination: Stay up-to-date with vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe illness.
- Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.
- Wear Masks: In crowded or indoor settings, wearing a mask can reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses.
By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can help mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses and reduce the strain on healthcare systems during this challenging season.
Summary
Activity Levels Update:
- The amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high.
- Nationally, emergency department visits are very high for diagnosed influenza and moderate for RSV. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are low.
- Nationally, influenza (31.6%), COVID-19 (4.8%) and RSV (6.8%) test positivity were similar to last week.
- Nationally, wastewater viral activity levels for influenza A are at very high levels. National COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels are high and RSV wastewater viral activity levels are low.
- COVID predictions for the next two weeks suggest that emergency department visits will remain at a lower level compared to prior winter seasons. Influenza predictions suggest that emergency department visits will remain high but are expected to decline.
Respiratory Virus Activity Levels | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
Reported on Friday, February 14, 2025.