Groups Most Impacted—Hospitalizations

Provides an update on how COVID-19, influenza, and RSV hospitalizations are affecting different groups.

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Groups Most Impacted Update:
  • As a percent of all emergency department visits, visits with COVID-19 are highest among children under 4 years (especially those under 2 years) and adults 65+. Infants and young children have the most visits with RSV. Influenza visits remain low but are highest among school-aged children.
  • Hospitalization rates are highest for COVID-19 among adults 65+. For RSV, hospitalization rates are highest in children under 4 years (especially those under 6 months). RSV hospitalization rates are increasing among children under 4 years at most sites. Overall rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations are low.
  • The percent of deaths due to COVID-19 is leveling off for 18-64 and 65+ age groups. There continue to be fewer than 10 deaths per week among children under 18 years. Percent of deaths due to COVID-19 remains highest for those 65+.

Reported on Friday, October 20th, 2023.

Hospitalization Rates for Viral Respiratory Illness, by Age

Weekly hospitalization rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV per 100,000 population. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates for the 2023–24 season (October 2023 and forwards) will be reported once case counts are sufficient.

Hospitalization Rates for Viral Respiratory Illness, by Sex

Weekly hospitalization rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV per 100,000 population. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates for the 2023–24 season (October 2023 and forwards) will be reported once case counts are sufficient.

Hospitalization Rates for Viral Respiratory Illness, by Race and Ethnicity

Weekly hospitalization rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV per 100,000 population. Influenza-associated hospitalization rates for the 2023–24 season (October 2023 and forwards) will be reported once case counts are sufficient.

  • SOURCE: Respiratory Virus Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RESP-NET).
  • Combined is the sum of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) emergency department visits.
  • Additional information, including the surveillance catchment area, is available at http://www.cy118119.com/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html.
  • Data are preliminary and subject to change as more data become available. In particular, case counts and rates for recent hospital admissions are subject to lag.
  • Incidence rates of COVID-19- and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalizations (per 100,000) are calculated using the National Center for Health statistics (NCHS) vintage 2020 bridged-race postcensal population estimates for the counties included in the surveillance area, while incidence rates of influenza-associated hospitalizations (per 100,000) are calculated using U.S. Census vintage 2022 unbridged-race postcensal population estimates for the counties or county-equivalents included the surveillance area.
  • COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance are currently conducted year-round. For influenza, the surveillance period begins October 1 and ends April 30 of each year.
  • FluSurv-NET surveillance for the 2023-24 season began on October 1, 2023; influenza-associated hospitalization rates for the 2023-24 season stratified by age, sex, and race/ethnicity will be reported once case counts are sufficient. 
  • Rates are likely to be underestimated as some COVID-19-, influenza-, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalizations might be missed because of undertesting, differing provider or facility testing practices, and diagnostic test sensitivity. Rates presented do not adjust for testing practices which may differ by pathogen, age, race and ethnicity, and other demographic criteria.
  • The NCHS bridged-race population estimates or U.S. Census unbridged-race postcensal population estimates used as denominators for race provide data for children ages 0–1 year. To calculate rates of hospitalization among children ages <6 months and 6 months to <12 months, the population estimate for children ages 0–1 year is halved.
  • Black, White, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander people were categorized as non-Hispanic; Hispanic people could be of any race. If Hispanic ethnicity was unknown, non-Hispanic ethnicity was assumed. Rates presented by race and ethnicity are calculated using records with known race. Those with missing or unknown race are excluded from race-specific estimates but are included in overall estimates.

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