The United States is grappling with a second wave of influenza cases, surpassing last season's peak. This rise coincides with elevated COVID-19 levels detected in wastewater nationwide.
NEW YORK - The United States is experiencing a second peak in flu cases this season. After doctor's office visits for flu dipped early this year, they jumped past the previous season's peak at the end of last month, with a 30% test positivity rate - and there are still months to go. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 20 million cases and 11,000 deaths from flu this season.
Hospitalizations are rising too, with an estimated 38,255 hospitalizations from flu last week alone. It's not the only illness spreading, either: Wastewater testing also shows high levels of the virus that causes COVID-19 across the country - well above levels seen at the start of winter. But there are some new tools to help this respiratory virus season: over-the-counter tests that can identify whether an illness is COVID-19 or influenza. The tests are available for purchase at most pharmacies or online and allow patients to learn what may be making them sick without needing to visit a doctor's office.
FLU COVID-19 HEALTH VIRUS RESPIRATORY ILLNESS WASTEWATER TESTING CDC HOSPITALIZATIONS
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