NEW YORK (PIX11) – Infections of respiratory illnesses are on the rise, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease and Prevention.
A map created by the CDC of Respiratory Illness Activity in each state shows that diagnoses in New York are high and continuing to grow.
(Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Although infection rates are rising, overall emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses were lower in December 2024 compared to the same time in December 2023, according to researchers.
By Dec. 30, 2023, almost 5% of emergency room visits in New York were for people diagnosed with the flu, almost 4% for COVID-19, and 0.9% for RSV. That’s compared to data from Dec. 28, 2024 where about 4% of visits were for the flu, 0.8% for COVID-19, and 0.7% for RSV.
(Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Positive tests for respiratory illnesses, aside from hospitalizations, were about the same in December 2023 and 2024, data shows.
Nationwide, the CDC estimates there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children.
U.S. health experts advise that everyone 6 months and older get their annual vaccinations to protect against illnesses.
People should also wash their hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
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