According to U.S. health officials, flu is gaining momentum, while RSV lung infections, which can be particularly severe for children and older adults, may be reaching their peak.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that COVID-19 continues to be the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths among respiratory illnesses, with approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths per week.
There are also reports of pneumonia outbreaks in children in two states, but Cohen emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking these outbreaks to anything unusual.
In terms of the flu season, the CDC reported that 11 states, primarily in the South and Southwest, were seeing high levels of flu-like illnesses, up from seven states in early November. Additionally, RSV infections have surged in some parts of the country, with hospital emergency departments in states like Georgia and Texas nearly reaching full capacity. However, Cohen stated that they believe the peak of RSV season is near.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is known to cause coldlike symptoms, but can pose serious risks for infants and older adults.
Health officials in Ohio and Massachusetts have reported cases of pneumonia in children. Authorities in Ohio reported 145 cases since August, most of which resulted in recovery at home and were caused by common viruses and bacteria. Massachusetts also noted a modest increase in pneumonia cases among children, which was deemed appropriate for the season.
China recently experienced a surge in respiratory illnesses, attributed to the flu and other common causes by health officials there.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
