The current influenza season in the United States is becoming more severe, but it is currently too early to determine the extent to which holiday gatherings may have contributed to a potential increase in illnesses.

Recent government statistics released on Friday for the previous week, which encompassed the holiday week spanning from Christmas to New Year’s, indicate that 38 states have reported elevated or extremely elevated rates of respiratory ailments, including fever, cough, and other symptoms. This is an increase from the 31 states that reported such levels the previous week.

The metric probably encompasses individuals who have contracted COVID-19, RSV, and other seasonal viruses, not just influenza. However, the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the number of flu cases is rising significantly.

According to Alicia Budd from the CDC, we anticipate the numbers to remain high for a few more weeks. However, she also mentioned that this flu season has been relatively mild.

“It can be challenging to interpret flu reports during and after the holiday season,” she observed. “With schools closed and increased travel, the data may be skewed. Additionally, some individuals may choose to tough it out at home instead of seeking medical attention, while others may be more inclined to visit a doctor.”

According to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, the peak of flu season typically occurs from December to February. She anticipates this year’s peak to happen by the end of this month. Officials assure that the current flu shots are well-suited to combat the predominant strain.

Based on the calculations by the CDC, there have been a minimum of 10 million cases, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 6,500 fatalities due to the flu since October. The agency also reported 27 deaths of children from the flu.

The rate of increase in COVID-19 cases this winter may not be as rapid as that of the flu. According to CDC statistics, hospitalizations due to coronavirus have not reached the same levels as in the past three winters. However, COVID-19 is still resulting in more hospitalizations than flu, based on CDC data.

According to Lauren Ancel Meyers from the University of Texas, the country is currently experiencing a second increase in COVID-19 cases, following a smaller peak in September.

Meyers, who leads a team that predicts trends for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, expressed uncertainty about the timing and intensity of the current surge.

The latest strain of the coronavirus, known as JN.1, is responsible for approximately 66% of cases in the United States, according to a report from the CDC. However, experts state that there is no proof that it results in more serious illness compared to other recent variations.

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The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides support to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. The AP is solely responsible for all of the content.