As the New Year begins, the U.S. is experiencing a surge in hospital visits linked to respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus RSV, and COVID-19.
According to the CDC, emergency department visits for these conditions are at very high levels nationwide, although COVID-19-related visits remain low compared to flu and RSV cases. States reporting the most ER visits include Arizona, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and New Hampshire.
Pediatric hospitals have been especially busy since November due to RSV, with influenza now contributing to the strain on healthcare systems.
Common symptoms shared by RSV, flu, and COVID-19 include fever, cough, congestion, shortness of breath, and fatigue, making it difficult to distinguish between them without a diagnostic test. However, certain symptoms like wheezing with RSV and high fevers with the flu can provide clues.
Health officials continue to recommend annual flu vaccinations for individuals 6 months and older and emphasize frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick individuals as preventive measures.
Additionally, the CDC is monitoring other potential illnesses, including norovirus and the H5N1 bird flu, though the latter remains a low public risk.