The number of COVID-19 and flu cases have increased again across the United States and are expected to continue increasing in the coming weeks.
That is according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a recent report, the organization noted that COVID-19 levels rose to high by the middle of December. In fact, there was nearly thrice as much COVID-19 circulating in the country in the week ending December 21 compared to the levels recorded in the week ending December 7, per the Guardian.
The CDC tested wastewater to determine COVID-19 levels in the US. While the surge occurred in all regions, there was a particularly sharp increase in the Midwest. COVID-19 levels in wastewater from that region showed twice as many cases there as in other parts of the US.
The Midwest is comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, the organization noted.
Flu Cases Are Also Rising
In addition to rising COVID-19 levels, flu cases are also increasing across the US. The test positivity rate of influenza rose from 12% to 18.7% between the week ending Dec. 21 and the week ending Dec. 28, the CDC said in an update released Friday.
Furthermore, the health organization noted that there was also a "very high" positivity rate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, and headaches. In more severe cases, however, RSV causes wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing, and bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen.
RSV cases, in particular, are rising the most among young children. Emergency visits and hospitalizations are also highest for pediatric patients.
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Keeping Your Family Protected
As per CDC recommendations, health experts advise Americans aged six months and older to get the seasonal flu vaccine and 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine shots. This is especially important for adults aged 65 and older, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and pregnant individuals.
People who are immunocompromised or aged 65 years and older are also recommended to receive another dose of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months after the first dose.
Moreover, maintaining good hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
If you are infected with the virus, health experts recommend limiting close contact with others to reduce transmission or wearing a mask if you are in a crowded, poorly ventilated space.
