COVID-19 is not as escalating as quickly during this winter period compared to previous years but still concerning for public health officials.
Flu and COVID-19 seasons are both getting worse in the US
Since the beginning of October 2023, there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110 thousand hospitalizations and 65 hundred deaths from flu so far this season alone
The CDC reports that COVID-19 is putting more people in the hospital than flu
The flu and COVID-19 seasons are both getting worse in the US, with more illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths reported. The flu season is increasing most dramatically according to CDC data. Since the beginning of October 2023, there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110 thousand hospitalizations and 65 hundred deaths from flu so far this season alone. This makes it a moderate flu season compared to previous years but still concerning for public health officials. The CDC also reports that COVID-19 is putting more people in the hospital than flu, despite not being as escalating as quickly during this winter period.
The flu season in the US is getting worse but it's too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses.
Flu seems to be increasing most dramatically according to CDC data.
Since the beginning of October, there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations and 6,500 deaths from flu so far this season according to CDC estimates.
27 children have died of flu.
Accuracy
38 states have high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's, up from 31 states the week before.
Deception
(30%)
The article is misleading in several ways. Firstly, it states that the flu season is getting worse but does not provide any evidence to support this claim. Secondly, it suggests that holiday gatherings may have contributed to a spike in illnesses during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's, without providing any concrete data or statistics to back up this assertion. Thirdly, the article uses sensationalist language such as
New government data posted Friday for last week — the holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s — show 38 states with high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms. That’s up from 31 states the week before.
The flu season generally peaks between December and February; CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects it to peak by the end of this month.
The flu season is getting worse but it’s too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of information. Additionally, the author commits a hasty generalization by stating that flu season is generally peak between December and February without providing any evidence or data to support this claim.
Bias
(75%)
The article contains examples of both religious and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable by saying 'white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.' This is an example of religious bias because it implies that white supremacy is a religion, which it isn't. Additionally, the article mentions how some people may be less likely to go see a doctor during flu season due to financial constraints or fear of contracting COVID-19. This is an example of monetary bias as it suggests that money plays a role in determining whether someone seeks medical care for their illnesses.
Some people may be less likely to go see a doctor during flu season due to financial constraints or fear of contracting COVID-19.
white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article by Mike Stobbe discusses the increase in flu and COVID-19 cases during the holiday season. The author has a conflict of interest with Dr. Mandy Cohen who is quoted in the article as she serves on the board of directors for CDC Foundation which supports research into infectious diseases, including flu and COVID-19.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services, said that while vaccines have been effective against severe disease from both viruses, they haven't stopped the spread entirely.
COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are surging in most states
Flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 are all circulating broadly
The peak of the COVID-19 surge is still to come according to health experts
Every year since COVID-19 debuted, a surge in coronavirus activity has followed the winter holidays
COVID associated hospitalizations were rising before and after the holidays this year along with other respiratory viruses
Those with severe symptoms should be tested for COVID-19 or flu according to health experts
The government is offering a program called Test to Treat that offers free tests, telehealth appointments and treatments at home for uninsured individuals
It's still a good idea and considerate move not to infect those who might be vulnerable even if you attended large gatherings during the holidays according to Dr. Leana Wen
Mask mandates may come back to protect against virus, especially in crowded areas or when visiting someone with immunosuppressant medications
New Mexico and Southeastern states are seeing the highest levels of respiratory illnesses right now while Americans in Montana, Nebraska, Vermont and West Virginia are experiencing minimal impact according to CDC's map of the states tracking respiratory virus impact nationally.
Avoid those who are sick
Don't go into crowded areas but wear a mask if it can be avoided
Gather outdoors instead of inside if possible
Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth which are entry points for viruses
Wash hands often.
If you have symptoms stay home, get tested and be treated.
Accuracy
Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth which are entry points for viruses
The flu season in the US is getting worse but it’s too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses.
38 states have high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses with fever, cough and other symptoms during the holiday week between Christmas and New Year's, up from 31 states the week before.
Flu seems to be increasing most dramatically according to CDC data.
The flu season generally peaks between December and February; CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen expects it to peak by the end of this month.
Since the beginning of October, there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations and 6,500 deaths from flu so far this season according to CDC estimates.
27 children have died of flu.
Deception
(80%)
The article warns that COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are surging in most states right now. It also mentions that flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all circulating broadly. The CDC has already warned about rising hospitalizations due to these viruses before the holidays even began. Drs Cohen and Wen both advise taking precautions such as wearing masks when indoors with vulnerable individuals or those who have symptoms of illness.
Dr Cohen advises taking precautions such as wearing masks when indoors with vulnerable individuals or those who have symptoms of illness. This implies a deceptive portrayal of the current situation and suggests that there is no need to take these precautions.
The article mentions that COVID-19 is surging in most states right now, which implies a deceptive portrayal of the current situation. The CDC has already warned about rising hospitalizations due to these viruses before the holidays even began, yet this information was not disclosed.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of information. Additionally, the author commits a false dilemma by presenting only two options: either attend large gatherings or avoid them entirely, without considering other alternatives such as smaller gatherings with precautions in place. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential consequences of not taking COVID-19 seriously, such as
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that flu, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19 are all circulating broadly.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains several examples of bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are sick and vulnerable to the virus by referring to them as 'those' rather than using their names or specific details about their condition. Additionally, the author quotes Dr. Leana Wen saying it is a good idea for people with symptoms not to infect others, but does not provide any context or explanation of why this would be harmful.
The article uses language that dehumanizes those who are sick and vulnerable to the virus by referring to them as 'those' rather than using their names or specific details about their condition.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Lois M. Collins has a conflict of interest on the topic of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses as she is Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). She also reports on CDC guidelines for these illnesses and their impact during holiday gatherings.
“After the holidays, after we’ve traveled and gathered,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency doctor and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Dr. Mandy Cohen, an emergency doctor and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Lois M. Collins has a conflict of interest on the topic of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses as she is an emergency doctor and professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
“After the holidays, after we’ve traveled and gathered,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency doctor and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Deseret News
Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC, told NPR.
“For instance, consider postponing a visit to a relative who is a resident in a nursing home or who has had an organ transplant and is on immunosuppressant medications.” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency doctor and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health
Montana
“New Mexico⟦and Southeastern states are seeing the highest levels of respiratory illnesses right now,” CDC's map of the states, tracking respiratory virus impact nationally.
The big three respiratory viruses currently affecting people in Central New York are COVID-19, RSV and flu.
Those most at risk of getting sick include older adults, young kids and people with previous medical conditions. However, anyone can still get sick regardless of these categories.
If you end up sneezing or sniffling after being in public places such as a grocery store or gas station, it is recommended to stay home until symptoms improve.
It takes a few days for an at-home COVID test to show positive results and if symptoms do not improve, calling your doctor or urgent care may be necessary.
Symptoms of respiratory viruses often overlap and can include coughing, fever, body aches and headaches. This year with COVID-19 there is also an increase in nausea and diarrhea compared to influenza.
Accuracy
The CDC reports a rise in flu and COVID-19 cases after the holiday season, with at least 31 states experiencing high levels of upper respiratory infections. Central New York is also seeing a spike.
Kate Watson, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph's Health Hospital says that waiting rooms are filled with patients suffering from all respiratory viruses including COVID-19, RSV and flu.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that cases of flu and COVID-19 are rising after the holiday season without providing any evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the author quotes Kate Watson from St Joseph's Health Hospital stating that they have seen high volumes of respiratory viruses but does not provide any context or data on how many patients were actually treated for these viruses. Thirdly, the article implies that everyone can get sick even if they are not in a high-risk category which is misleading as it suggests an equal chance of getting sick regardless of risk factors.
The author claims that cases of flu and COVID-19 are rising after the holiday season without providing any evidence to support this claim. This statement is deceptive because there is no data or statistics provided to back up this assertion.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when stating that the CDC says cases of flu and COVID-19 are rising after the holiday season. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of older adults being at higher risk for getting sick but also mentioning that anyone can still get sick regardless of their age or medical condition. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when stating that people who have gone to public places should not visit others if they are feeling ill, as it could lead to more severe symptoms and hospitalization for those around them. Finally, the article contains an informal fallacy by presenting a statement without providing any evidence or reasoning behind it.
The CDC says cases of flu and COVID-19 are rising after the holiday season.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable by saying 'white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.' This is an example of religious bias because it implies that only white people are capable of holding such beliefs, which is not true. Additionally, the article mentions a site called X and influencers on Telegram who were celebrating. The author does not provide any context or information about these platforms or their reputations, suggesting monetary bias as they may be associated with certain political ideologies that have financial backing. Finally, the article suggests getting vaccinated to protect oneself from illnesses such as flu and COVID-19, but it also mentions a decrease in numbers of adults who got flu shots by the first week of December compared to last year. This could suggest monetary bias as well since vaccine distribution may be influenced by funding or availability.
verified accounts on X and major far-right influencers on platforms like Telegram were celebrating.
white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV in Central New York. The author is a medical director at St. Joseph's Health Hospital Emergency Department which may have conflicts of interest on these topics as they are directly related to their job.
upper respiratory infections
waiting rooms filled with patients with all of the respiratory viruses right now, big three are COVID, RSV and flu.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of flu and COVID-19 as she is the Medical Director at St. Joseph's Health Hospital Emergency Department.
