Significant Rise in U.S. Respiratory Illnesses

The rise in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, including COVID, flu, and norovirus, is affecting various regions in the U.S. In Gallatin County, Montana, flu cases increased by 3,600% from November to December, and COVID cases have also spiked, particularly in schools. In Philadelphia, public health officials warn of a 'quad-demic' involving COVID, flu, RSV, and norovirus, with high levels of these illnesses detected in wastewater and hospitals. Similarly, Harford County, Maryland, is experiencing high levels of respiratory and norovirus infections, with hospitals seeing increased patient visits. In Mobile County, Alabama, norovirus cases are rising as students return to school, highlighting the virus's rapid spread and the importance of hygiene practices. Health officials across these regions emphasize the importance of hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces to curb the spread of these illnesses.