Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
ABC News
The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse with 38 states reporting high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses
NEW YORK -- The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse but it's too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses.
New government data posted Friday for last week — the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's — show 38 states with high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. That's up from 31 states the week before.
The measure likely includes people with COVID-19, RSV and other winter viruses, and not just flu. But flu seems to be increasing most dramatically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We expect it to be elevated for several more weeks,” said the CDC's Alicia Budd. So far, though, this is a moderate flu season, she said.
Interpreting flu reports during and after the holidays can be tricky, she noted. Schools are closed. More people are traveling. Some people may be less likely to go see a doctor, deciding to just suffer at home. Others may be more likely to go.
