What to know about the heavily mutated 'cicada' covid variant
AOL.com • • general
Key Points:
- Multiple respiratory viruses, including flu, Covid (with the new BA.3.2 "cicada" variant), RSV, and human metapneumovirus, are still circulating across the U.S. during spring, causing symptoms that are difficult to distinguish without testing.
- Covid cases remain generally low but are rising in some states like Florida and Massachusetts; the BA.3.2 variant is present in 25 states but has not yet caused a significant surge in infections.
- Influenza A cases peaked earlier this season but are declining, while influenza B cases show mixed trends; pediatric flu deaths continue, underscoring the importance of vaccination even late in the season.
- RSV infections remain high or very high in several states, with an unusual persistence beyond typical seasonal patterns, posing risks especially to infants and young children.
- Norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, continues to circulate at high levels nationwide but is not increasing, with current case numbers lower than last season’s peak.
