Respiratory Illnesses are Elevated Across the Country

With the conclusion of the holiday season, respiratory illnesses (such as flu and COVID) are on the rise. Compared to last year’s seasonal peaks, there are fewer severe COVID cases. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report a high level of COVID in community wastewater in every region. In the United States, the COVID JN.1 variant has become the most prevalent variant. Despite its resurgence, scientists state the latest wave is not as severe. The CDC also estimates there have been more than 7 million illnesses, 73,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 flu-related deaths this season.