Respiratory Illnesses Increasing in Pennsylvania and Across U.S.

January 02, 2025

Following a slow start to the season, the spread of respiratory viruses is increasing in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were at high levels or trending up, according to the latest state and federal reports. Key indicators for the winter viruses were rising ahead of the season of holiday gatherings.

“COVID-19 activity is increasing in most areas of the country, with high COVID-19 wastewater levels and increasing emergency department visits and laboratory percent positivity,” the CDC noted in a recent update.

Here’s what you need to know:

• In Pennsylvania:  Through December 28, reports of the flu were increasing. The percentage of emergency department visits for COVID-19 also was increasing statewide. RSV activity also remains high.
  • More than 16 percent of emergency department visits were for respiratory symptoms.
• Severe cases:  There have been 21 flu-related deaths and 394 COVID-19-related deaths this year. Last season, there were 501 and 2,857, respectively.
• National perspective:   About 12 percent of flu tests were positive, and 4.9 percent of visits to a health care provider were for respiratory illness during the week ending December 21. There were 12,543 patients admitted to U.S. hospitals with the flu.
• Vaccination rates:  About 21.4 percent of U.S. adults and 10 percent of children had received a COVID-19 vaccine, per federal reports.
  • About 42 percent of U.S. adults and children had received the flu vaccine.
  • Through mid-December, about 50 percent of adults 75 and older had received one dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. That’s compared with about 30 percent around the same time last year.
• What’s next?:  The CDC’s latest projections indicate a later winter wave for COVID-19; peaks for influenza and RSV tend to vary and are less predictable by region.

HAP encourages everyone to follow the proper public health precautions to help limit the spread of respiratory viruses this winter, including staying home when sick, getting vaccinated, and practicing proper hand hygiene. Additional information about vaccinations available in your community is available online.