Everyone you know come down with a ‘super-cold’? CDC says 15 states are suffering ‘very high’ or ‘high’ levels of respiratory illnesses, is YOURS a hotspot?

If it seems like your co-workers are calling in sick or friends are cancelling plans for feeling under the weather, you’re not alone.

Millions of Americans across the country are falling ill with a range of respiratory illnesses, which are hitting earlier and at higher levels than pre-pandemic.

More than a dozen states are experiencing a surge in viruses, including the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19, with rates of infections either ‘high’ or ‘very high’.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 15 states are experiencing elevated rates of infections – based on the weekly percentage of visits to healthcare providers or hospitals involving patients complaining of a fever cough or sore throat.

South Carolina and Louisiana have been given a ‘Level 12’ status, meaning their rates of illness are ‘very high.’

Ranging from levels of nine to 10, an additional 13 states – including Alabama, California, Florida, Texas and New Jersey – have been deemed to have ‘high’ levels of respiratory illnesses.

More