NEW YORK (WRMT) — Expect flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks due to a new variant of the coronavirus, U.S. health officials say.
The increase is caused by holiday gatherings, unvaccinated people and the new version of the coronavirus, known as JN.1, which spreads more easily, according to officials.
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said high levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states, which is an increase from 14 weeks prior.
According to the CDC, the new coronavirus variant, JN.1., is estimated to be 20% of reported cases but expected to reach 50% in the next two weeks.
However, caccinations are down 45% this year by adults and only 18% have gotten an updated COVID-19 shot.
The CDC data posted this week shows that respiratory infections are increasing in the Carolinas.
Copyright 2023 WRMT. All rights reserved.
