CDC map shows Tennessee has highest illness level in US

Colleen Guerry
·2 min read
4

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Friday shows only one state experiencing the highest level of sickness in the country: Tennessee.

The number of people going to the doctor with symptoms of respiratory illness — whether it be the flu, COVID-19, RSV, or none of the above — increased before and after the holidays, based on numbers from the CDC.

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However, only seven states, along with New York City, are now considered to have “very high” levels of sickness, according to the CDC. Of those states, Tennessee is the only one with the highest level of “very high” illness activity.

For a more detailed look, check out the CDC’s interactive map by clicking here.

  • CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Jan. 13, 2024. (Courtesy: CDC)
    CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Jan. 13, 2024. (Courtesy: CDC)
  • CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Jan. 6, 2024. (Courtesy: CDC)
    CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Jan. 6, 2024. (Courtesy: CDC)
  • CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 30, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)
    CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 30, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)
  • CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 23, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)
    CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 23, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)
  • CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 16, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)
    CDC map shows the level of respiratory illness by state the week prior, as of Dec. 16, 2023. (Courtesy: CDC)

Keep in mind, though, that the flu is not the only sickness going around. Health officials said hospital admissions for COVID dropped 9.6% last week, but coronavirus-related deaths increased by 10.3% in the same week. Meanwhile, more people have been testing positive for RSV over the last few months, the CDC reported.

In order to create the above maps, the CDC compared current data from health care providers to what’s normal for that area outside of flu season. The data is based on the number of people reporting to a health care facility with flu symptoms — including a fever, plus a cough or sore throat — rather than lab-confirmed influenza cases.

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In other words, the data could include cases that turn out to be other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID or RSV, but the cases could also be underreported, especially if people decide to stay home and fight the sickness on their own.

Even though we don’t have exact numbers, the CDC estimated two weeks ago there have been at least 10 million illnesses; 110,000 hospitalizations; and 6,500 deaths so far this flu season.

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