As of January 5, 2024, CDC is reporting that respiratory illness is increasing across the country. The levels are generally high in almost all regions.
“Activity Levels Update:
- The amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across most areas of the country. This week, 39 jurisdictions experienced high or very high activity.
- Nationally, emergency department visits due to influenza and COVID-19 are elevated in all age groups and increasing in all but school-aged children. Recent, holiday-related school closures and associated changes in healthcare seeking behavior may be impacting trends in influenza- and COVID-19-related visits among school-aged children. RSV-related emergency department visits decreased slightly nationally.
- Nationally, COVID-19 wastewater viral activity levels and test percent positivity—indicators for infection levels—are higher than the same time last year (currently estimated as being 27% higher and 17% higher, respectively). However, indicators for illness requiring medical attention are lower, including emergency department rates being 21% lower than the same time last year.”
Go Retire Psychiatrist 