Summary
The CDC has launched a new community snapshot website for 2024, designed to help Americans monitor the levels of COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses in their local areas. This initiative introduces a comprehensive metric called “acute respiratory illness,” which provides a clearer picture of viral activity and informs the public about when to take preventive measures.
The new metric aims to simplify the presentation of data, moving away from the previously used “influenza-like illness” definition, which was too narrow. By grading respiratory infections on a scale from “minimal” to “very high,” the CDC hopes to better communicate the risks associated with various viruses. The site aggregates information from multiple sources, including hospital data and wastewater sampling, to offer a holistic view of respiratory illness trends. Future enhancements are planned, including the resumption of nationwide hospitalization data and the addition of information on other respiratory pathogens beyond COVID-19, flu, and RSV. This effort reflects the CDC’s commitment to improving public health communication as the fall and winter seasons approach.
New CDC website shows if COVID or flu is on the rise in 2024
Oct. 4 / Cbs News / Highlights the CDC's innovative "acute respiratory illness" metric, offering a comprehensive view of viral trends. It effectively combines expert insights and public health data, enhancing understanding of risks. “ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a new way for Americans to look up how high or low levels of viruses like COVID-19 and flu are in...
CDC launches new way to measure trends of COVID, flu and more for 2024 - CBS News
Oct. 4 / Google News / Presents a succinct overview of the CDC's new measurement approach for respiratory illnesses. However, it lacks the in-depth analysis and expert commentary found in other sources, making it less informative overall. “ CDC launches new way to measure trends of COVID, flu and more for 2024 CBS News