These States Have the Highest Number of COVID, Flu and RSV Cases Right Now

Emily Laurence

Woman laying on the couch sick under a blanket

Winter is the peak season for contagious illnesses across the board, but according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a trifecta of viruses is especially going around right now. Cases for COVID, the flu and RSV are all rising and are dangerously high in some states in particular.

If you want to stay healthy, it’s important to know where cases of these viruses are spreading the most, why the number of infected people is so high right now and science-backed ways to protect yourself.

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What States Have the Highest Number of COVID, Flu and RSV in December 2023?

Data from the CDC shows that the number of cases of COVID, flu and RSV are up across the country. As of December 1, 2023, there has been a 200% increase in people with the flu, a 51% increase in people with COVID, and a 60% increase in RSV. There are 13 states, plus New York City, especially experiencing a spike. The list of states where respiratory illness levels are very high is below:

  • Louisiana

  • South Carolina

  • New Mexico

  • Mississippi

  • Alabama

  • Georgia

  • North Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • New Jersey

  • Wyoming

  • Colorado

  • Nevada

  • California

“With the cold weather, we are spending more time indoors than before, which relates to increased rates of respiratory infections. The rate of vaccination tends to be lower in the midwest and south regions for all vaccines—particularly COVID,” says Dr. William A. Haseltine, PhD, the Chair and President of ACCESS Health International, a former Harvard Medical School professor, and expert on infectious diseases about why there is an increase in illnesses, particularly in these states.

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How To Stay Healthy No Matter Where You Live

A major reason why COVID, the flu and RSV are so high right now is because many people are not getting vaccinated for them—especially COVID. Remember in 2021 when millions were enthusiastically lining up for the COVID vaccine? Now, enthusiasm has waned. But Dr. Haseltine emphasizes that it’s still important to get vaccinated.

“Receiving the COVID vaccine is still important as it can protect from serious disease. The most recent evidence suggests that the current vaccines will protect you for around six months but not much longer. Therefore, it is important to take the booster shots every season,” he explains.

Dr. Haseltine adds that if the number of people getting the COVID vaccine remains low, then hospitalization rates will continue to rise, and we may see increased rates of long-term COVID.

Related: Do You Have the Flu? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Navigating Symptoms and Treatment

Getting vaccinated for the flu is also important. Data collected from the CDC shows that getting the flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu between 40% and 60%. You can get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time or at different times. “It is okay to receive the flu and COVID vaccination together. This is similar to how it is okay to get your standard childhood vaccinations at the same time,” Dr. Haseltine says.

In terms of getting vaccinated for RSV, Dr. Haseltine says this is critical for pregnant women and their babies. The CDC also recommends that adults ages 60 and older get vaccinated for RSV.

Besides getting vaccinated, Dr. Haseltine says that there are other ways to stay healthy—all precautions you’ve likely heard many times before. “The best ways to stay healthy are much the same as they have been: avoid crowds. Particularly, avoid indoor crowded spaces when you can, and if you cannot, then wear a mask. Wear a mask if you have to be in crowded areas, like when shopping and on public transport,” he says.

Even though the pandemic is over, that doesn’t mean that COVID no longer exists. It does and the rate of infection is especially high right now due to a low number of people getting the COVID booster. Vaccines are widely accessible and have been proven to reduce illness. Taking advantage of them will not only keep you healthy, but will help keep others healthy too.

Next up, doctors set the record straight on nine myths about the flu.

Sources

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