"Mapping the Holiday Illness Surge: The Triple Threat of Winter Sicknesses in New York and Beyond"

The CDC reported a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, across the United States just before the Christmas holidays. New York City and 13 states were at "very high" levels, with New York and 18 other states at "high" levels. Influenza activity in New York was widespread, with a 40% positivity rate from tested specimens and a 20% increase in hospitalizations, though no pediatric deaths were reported that week. Seven states reached the highest tier of respiratory illness severity tracked by the CDC. The data may not reflect all cases, as it is based on symptoms reported to healthcare facilities and not lab-confirmed cases.