With respiratory illness season at its peak, the latest CDC data shows a significant rise in flu cases nationwide, while COVID-19 cases decline and RSV activity continues to wane. According to the CDC’s latest FluView report,

RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, usually peaks in December and January while infecting the nose, throat and lungs, usually causing mild, cold-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Those symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold, COVID-19 or influenza.

During the COVID pandemic, RSV showed a slightly odd pattern: like flu, it basically disappeared in the 2020–2021 season, likely because of masking and social distancing. But in 2022–2023 it came roaring back and had a large, early peak during the fall. Last year saw a significant surge as well, but it was closer to the timing of a typical season.

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Despite a temporary freeze on public communications, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still released weekly updates on respiratory illnesses. Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have peaked and are beginning to decline in many areas of the United States,

Just over a month into the new year, influenza season is hitting hard in the Southland, and the flu isn't the only virus making a strong showing.

Some Tri-State hospitals are starting to feel the strain as they reach capacity in their facilities, according to Fairfield Township firefighters.

The good news is that Covid and RSV cases are trending down. However, flu numbers are soaring. WRAL News checked in with Duke Health, UNC and WakeMed. On Monday alone, Duke Health had 146 new cases of the flu. Compare that to a month ago, on Jan. 4, that number was 36.

Illinois is seeing levels of respiratory viruses tick up, the Illinois Department of Public Health said, with a “notable increase” in emergency department visits and hospital admissions for flu, although symptoms of flu,