Rising COVID-19 and Flu Hospitalizations Strain U.S. Healthcare System

New COVID variant JN.1 grows rapidly as low vaccination rates could exacerbate healthcare capacity strain.

COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations are on the rise across the U.S., with 17 states seeing high levels of respiratory illness activity.
The new COVID variant JN.1 is making up an increasing share of cases, and is currently the fastest-growing variant in the U.S.
Hospitals, particularly pediatric ones, are experiencing strain and some are at capacity due to an influx of patients with respiratory illnesses.
Low vaccination rates for COVID-19, flu, and RSV could lead to more severe disease and increased healthcare capacity strain in the coming weeks.
RSV hospitalization rates have slightly declined, but remain elevated among young children under age 4 and are increasing among older adults over age 65.