January 7, 2025
This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.
New COVID-19 and RSV Estimates Can Help Shape Prevention Efforts
It is not possible to know exactly how many people get sick from COVID-19 and RSV. That’s because not everyone who gets COVID-19 or RSV will get tested or seek medical care. Also, COVID-19 and RSV are not nationally notifiable diseases. This means only cases that lead to hospitalization are reported to CDC.
Because of this, CDC uses models to estimate the national impact of COVID-19 and RSV—for example, how many people go to a healthcare provider or are hospitalized because of these illnesses. The models use inputs from continually updated surveillance data and data from the latest scientific studies. CDC has published similar estimates for flu for many years.
People can use this information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare, such as vaccination, testing, and treatment. These estimates can help public health officials promote prevention measures and plan for COVID-19 and RSV impacts on healthcare systems to ensure that Americans can continue to get the healthcare they need during times of widespread respiratory illnesses. The estimates will also help us compare the burden associated with COVID-19 and RSV year over year and compare it to other respiratory illnesses.