Respiratory illnesses surge: 5 updates
Becker's Healthcare December 20, 2024
Fourteen states and Washington, D.C., are experiencing high or very high levels of respiratory illness, with influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytical virus all contributing to increased healthcare visits across the U.S.
The states are Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, New Jersey, New York City, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, D.C.
Here are four more updates:
- Influenza is the dominant virus this season, with 9% of clinical lab tests returning positive for the flu this week. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) are the most common strains, with flu-related hospitalizations climbing steadily. Outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses have surpassed the national baseline, now at 3.8%, and the CDC is reporting a rise in emergency department...