RSV is peaking but flu hospitalizations highest in a decade, CDC says
Cases of RSV are declining in some parts of the country, but flu and Covid are rising. The CDC director on Monday offered guidance on how to protect yourself.
The spread of RSV appears to be slowing, though Covid cases have risen since Thanksgiving and flu hospitalizations remain at a decade high, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday.
"This year’s flu season is off to a rough start," Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, board chair of the American Medical Association, said at a CDC press briefing. "Flu is here. It started early, and with Covid and RSV also circulating, it’s a perfect storm for a terrible holiday season."
Approximately 78,000 people have been hospitalized with the flu since the start of October. Around 19,500 were newly hospitalized in the week ending Nov. 27, according to data from the Department of Health and Human Services — nearly double the number of flu hospitalizations reported the week prior.
The CDC estimates that the flu has already caused 8.7 million illnesses since Oct. 1. That's close to the 9 million cases estimated for the entire 2021-22 flu season.
Flu deaths are already approaching last season's total as well: The CDC estimates this year's toll to be at least 4,500 since Oct. 1, compared to 5,000 in all of last season.
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