‘A lot of flu out there’: Winter wave of respiratory illnesses spark concern across the US; here’s what to know

Flu season is in full swing in the US with a wave of infections causing cough, cold, fever and sore throat sweeping across the country. Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have been driving the infections for the past many weeks now, and now influenza has also joined in, which can increase the hospitalization cases further.
As many as 40 states reported high or very high levels of illness last week, as per the latest government data. “A lot of flu out there,” said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed.
Influenza (flu), Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are

common respiratory illnesses

caused by different viruses. It is often difficult to distinguish between the symptoms as many of them, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, may overlap.
In a latest update issued on Friday, CDC has informed that Covid-19 activity has spiked from low levels in most areas across the US, while seasonal influenza activity continues to increase and is up across most of the country.

The CDC also predicted that Covid-19 will surge in the coming weeks following its winter trend.

The organisation added that between the week ending on 21 December 2024 and the week ending on 28 December 2024, the Covid-19 test positivity rate increased from 7% to 7.1% across the US. On the other hand, influenza’s test positivity rate increased from 12% to 18.7% in that time period. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) were the predominant viruses reported, the CDC said. Several seasonal flu strains are surging and currently, there is no one that is dominant.

The positivity rate for RSV is “very high” in many areas of the country with children worst affected who are visiting emergency and are being hospitalized more than other age groups. Hospitalisations are also increasing among older adults in many parts of the country.

While the cases of respiratory illnesses are on an upward trend, vaccine coverage for Covid, RSV and flu remain low.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads primarily through droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or kiss, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
While there is currently no specific treatment for RSV, its symptoms can often be managed with over-the-counter medications. In most cases, RSV infections are mild and resolve on their own. However, the virus can pose serious risks to infants, some young children, and older adults. According to CDC, some common

RSV symptoms

are runny nose, congestion, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing etc.

Flu

Influenza, also commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory disease which can be caused by different strains of viruses. Flu can spread via cough or sneeze. Seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza or swine flu, and avian influenza are some common types of flu. People aged 50 years or older, expecting mothers, those living with a chronic condition, children 6 months and older, are at risk of contracting the virus. Fever, severe body aches, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting and/or diarrhea are among the common symptoms of flu.

Covid-19

Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that is set to complete its five years is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets and may cause mild or severe disease leading to death. It led to a global pandemic, prompting widespread efforts in vaccination, testing, and public health measures to control its spread. There is a long list of symptoms and some of them include dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, extreme tiredness, digestive symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting or loose stools, called diarrhea, headaches and body or muscle aches, fever, chills, cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose or sore throat.

Tips to prevent seasonal infections

Avoid sharing household items like papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils among family members unless they have been cleaned between uses.
Clean doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, and other commonly infected surfaces at home or workplace thoroughly.
Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would. Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.