- The United States is experiencing a significant increase in infections from COVID-19, influenza, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) following the holiday season, with experts forecasting a worsening situation as the flu season reaches its peak. Norovirus cases have reached their highest levels since 2012, and RSV hospitalizations have surged by 40% within a two-week period.
To date, influenza has affected 3 million individuals, resulting in 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 fatalities. Hospitals in states such as California and Illinois have reinstated emergency protocols. Officials in New York are recommending the use of masks in crowded settings to help mitigate the spread of these infections.
