CHARLOTTE, N.C. – If the sounds of sniffles, coughs and sneezing seem to be heard quite frequently, know that its not a coincidence. Medical professionals say in the wake of a return to in-person activities without coronavirus-related precautions, RSV, the flu and other respiratory illnesses are hitting peak levels. The CDC provides important things to know on the Respiratory Illness Data Channel: As of January 13, 2025, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is at a high level. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas of the country. Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the country. RSV activity is very high in many areas of the country, particularly in young children. The community snapshot signifies activity levels using the following colors: minimal, low, moderate, high, very high The overall Respiratory illness activity in the United States The overall Respiratory illness activity in the United States is high.  What it is: A measure of how frequently a wide variety of respiratory symptoms and conditions are diagnosed by emergency department doctors, ranging from the common cold to COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Why it matters: Summarizes the total impact of respiratory illnesses, regardless of which diseases are causing people to get sick. The emergency department visit in the United States for different illnesses can be seen below: COVID-19 – Low (increasing) Flu – High (increasing) (RSV) Very high (increasing) What it is: A measure of how many people are seeking medical care in emergency departments. Why it matters: When levels are high, it may indicate that infections are making people sick enough to require treatment. Overall respiratory illness activity in North Carolina Taking a closer look, the overall Respiratory illness activity in the United States is moderate The emergency department visit in the United States for different illnesses can be seen below: COVID-19 – Low (increasing) Flu – Moderate (increasing) (RSV) Very high (increasing) “CDC continues to expect the fall and winter virus season will have a similar or lower peak number of combined hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last year. However, peak hospitalizations from all respiratory viruses remain likely to be much higher than they were before the emergence of COVID-19. CDC’s December outlook update uses historical data and COVID-19 scenario modeling to assess when peak hospital demand may occur nationally and regionally. Additional updates will occur if there are big changes in how COVID-19, flu, or RSV are spreading.” Click here to Read the entire 2024-2025 Respiratory Season Outlook.