Flu, Covid-19 infections rising in US, could worsen over holidays, CDC says

A patient gets an influenza vaccine in Mesquite, Texas. Flu and COVID-19 infections are expected to rise in coming weeks, U.S. health officials said on Dec 22, 2023. [AP Photo]

Look for flu and Covid-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily.

High levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states - up from 14 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.