Respiratory illnesses elevated in 38 states, according to CDC

Data from the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows respiratory illnesses are elevated in 38 states.

Respiratory illness activity is elevated or increasing across most areas of the country, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some 38 states plus New York City are experiencing "high or very high" levels of respiratory illness activity, according to the CDC. Of those states, 21 are experiencing "very high" activity. Last week, 31 states were experiencing "high or very high" activity.

Respiratory illness activity is defined as people going to the doctor with symptoms, including fever and a cough and/or sore throat, from any respiratory disease including flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the common cold.

"A steady increase in respiratory illnesses is a common annual trend, typically fueled by holiday gatherings and travel," says ABC News contributor John Brownstein, Ph.D. "This year is no exception. With January and February often marking the peak of such illnesses, it's crucial to exercise heightened vigilance now."

Flu hospitalizations also continue to increase, rising 35% in the most recent week. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 6,500 deaths from flu so far this season. Adults over 65 have the highest rates of flu hospitalizations.