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Bird flu virus was detected in a Lincoln wastewater sample on January 16th. Two Lincoln wastewater sites have participated in monitoring for bird flu since May 2024. This is the first time the H5 virus has been detected in any Lincoln sample. It is unknown if the virus came from an animal or human source, or if the virus is highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1). There are no reported human cases of H5 in Lancaster County, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Lincoln began testing wastewater for bird flu in May 2024, this is the first time the virus has been detected in Lincoln.
It is impossible to tell if the subtype of bird flu found was from an animal, animal product, or human source. This is because groundwater also runs into wastewater treatment facilities, so the sample could have come from a wild bird, farm runoff, or any other number of sources.
The sample was found at the Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Risk to the public remains low, and there is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
UNKNOWNS
Wastewater monitoring is able to detect H5 but can’t tell if the specific type of H5 is highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), which has caused the majority of bird flu infections reported in people. There are nine known subtypes of H5 viruses.
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Bird flu virus was detected in a Lincoln wastewater sample on January 16th. Two Lincoln wastewater sites have participated in monitoring for bird flu since May 2024. This is the first time the H5 virus has been detected in any Lincoln sample. It is unknown if the virus came from an animal or human source, or if the virus is highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1). There are no reported human cases of H5 in Lancaster County, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Lincoln began testing wastewater for bird flu in May 2024, this is the first time the virus has been detected in Lincoln.
It is impossible to tell if the subtype of bird flu found was from an animal, animal product, or human source. This is because groundwater also runs into wastewater treatment facilities, so the sample could have come from a wild bird, farm runoff, or any other number of sources.
The sample was found at the Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Risk to the public remains low, and there is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
UNKNOWNS
Wastewater monitoring is able to detect H5 but can’t tell if the specific type of H5 is highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), which has caused the majority of bird flu infections reported in people. There are nine known subtypes of H5 viruses.
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Cases of whooping cough were lower in 2020-2023 than in 2019 due to increased masking and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, preliminary reports show that the number of cases in December 2024 would surpass the number of cases from December 2019. We are still waiting for complete numbers from December 2024. Infants have historically been most affected by whooping cough, and this remains true in 2024. This increase is likely due to a combination of factors including increased surveillance and waning vaccine protection.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing. Early-stage symptoms can be mild and include a runny and stuffy nose. Later stage symptoms can be more severe, and coughing can be so intense it may be hard to breathe, eat, or sleep.
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people of all ages starting at two months of age. It is given as a combination vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP for children younger than 7 years old; Tdap for older children and adults).
Early treatment for whooping cough is important, and antibiotics can help make the infection less severe if given early.
In December 2024, it is estimated that six times as many cases were reported compared to December 2023. We are still learning about the cause of this increase.
UNKNOWNS
We are still learning about the cause for this increase in cases, and complete data from 2024. Other factors that we are still learning more about is the long-term effectiveness of whooping cough vaccines.
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Cases of whooping cough were lower in 2020-2023 than in 2019 due to increased masking and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, preliminary reports show that the number of cases in December 2024 would surpass the number of cases from December 2019. We are still waiting for complete numbers from December 2024. Infants have historically been most affected by whooping cough, and this remains true in 2024. This increase is likely due to a combination of factors including increased surveillance and waning vaccine protection.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing. Early-stage symptoms can be mild and include a runny and stuffy nose. Later stage symptoms can be more severe, and coughing can be so intense it may be hard to breathe, eat, or sleep.
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people of all ages starting at two months of age. It is given as a combination vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP for children younger than 7 years old; Tdap for older children and adults).
Early treatment for whooping cough is important, and antibiotics can help make the infection less severe if given early.
In December 2024, it is estimated that six times as many cases were reported compared to December 2023. We are still learning about the cause of this increase.
UNKNOWNS
We are still learning about the cause for this increase in cases, and complete data from 2024. Other factors that we are still learning more about is the long-term effectiveness of whooping cough vaccines.
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Latest info suggests this claim is false
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HMPV (human metapneumovirus) is not a new virus. It has been around for decades. HMPV causes respiratory illness similar to the common cold and most people recover in a few days. HMPV was first documented in the Netherlands in 2001 and now occurs worldwide. Claims of rising HMPV cases in China are misleading. This is a normal seasonal trend for the virus, similar to how flu cases go up in colder months. There is currently no evidence of a higher-than-expected rate of spread in China.
WHAT WE KNOW
HMPV was documented relatively recently in 2001 in the Netherlands, but research suggests that antibodies to the virus were present in people over 50 years ago.
Most people with HMPV experience mild symptoms and recover in a few days. Young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems may develop a more serious respiratory infection and require medical care.
To avoid HMPV and other respiratory viruses, wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your face and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
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HMPV (human metapneumovirus) is not a new virus. It has been around for decades. HMPV causes respiratory illness similar to the common cold and most people recover in a few days. HMPV was first documented in the Netherlands in 2001 and now occurs worldwide. Claims of rising HMPV cases in China are misleading. This is a normal seasonal trend for the virus, similar to how flu cases go up in colder months. There is currently no evidence of a higher-than-expected rate of spread in China.
WHAT WE KNOW
HMPV was documented relatively recently in 2001 in the Netherlands, but research suggests that antibodies to the virus were present in people over 50 years ago.
Most people with HMPV experience mild symptoms and recover in a few days. Young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems may develop a more serious respiratory infection and require medical care.
To avoid HMPV and other respiratory viruses, wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your face and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
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On January 6, a Louisiana resident died from bird flu after exposure to an infected backyard flock, becoming the U.S.’s first human bird flu death. The person was 65+ with underlying medical conditions. Samples of the bird flu virus from the patient showed mutations from the backyard flock, which likely contributed to more severe illness. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Genetic testing showed that the genotype of the virus the person was infected with was D.1.1, which is related to other D.1.1 genotypes spreading in wild birds and poultry. This is a different type from the B3.13 genotype currently spreading in dairy cows and some poultry flocks.
The D.1.1 genotype also caused severe disease in a teenager in British Columbia and is linked to several mild cases in Washington State.
Mutations in the virus likely increased the virus’ ability to attach to the human respiratory tract. This mutation was also seen in the severe case of bird flu in Canada.
No person-to-person transmission has been identified, and this is the only human case of bird flu reported in Louisiana as of 1/10/25. The risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
Public health and government officials continue to monitor cases of H5N1 or bird flu and genetically sequence human cases for any signs of virus mutations. These mutations could result in increased transmission between humans, increased resistance to vaccines, or reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.
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On January 6, a Louisiana resident died from bird flu after exposure to an infected backyard flock, becoming the U.S.’s first human bird flu death. The person was 65+ with underlying medical conditions. Samples of the bird flu virus from the patient showed mutations from the backyard flock, which likely contributed to more severe illness. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Genetic testing showed that the genotype of the virus the person was infected with was D.1.1, which is related to other D.1.1 genotypes spreading in wild birds and poultry. This is a different type from the B3.13 genotype currently spreading in dairy cows and some poultry flocks.
The D.1.1 genotype also caused severe disease in a teenager in British Columbia and is linked to several mild cases in Washington State.
Mutations in the virus likely increased the virus’ ability to attach to the human respiratory tract. This mutation was also seen in the severe case of bird flu in Canada.
No person-to-person transmission has been identified, and this is the only human case of bird flu reported in Louisiana as of 1/10/25. The risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
Public health and government officials continue to monitor cases of H5N1 or bird flu and genetically sequence human cases for any signs of virus mutations. These mutations could result in increased transmission between humans, increased resistance to vaccines, or reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.
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This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
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This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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The average price of eggs was $7.09 per dozen January 29th, 2025, an increase of 22% since January 1st. In 2024, 34.8 million chickens were killed by or culled due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). As of January 24th, that total increased by 8.3 million birds. These losses, combined with factors like seasonal winter rise in egg demand, inflation, and individual state policies are leading to historically high egg prices. Current trends suggest egg prices will remain high or rise throughout 2025.
WHAT WE KNOW
The average price of $7.09 means that in some areas of the country and in some stores egg prices may not be that high, and in other areas like some parts of California egg prices could be as high as $9.00/dozen.
In states where laws require chickens to be cage-free, the prices are higher because cage-free eggs are more expensive. This is why egg prices in California reached over $9.00/dozen in some stores.
Some stores are keeping egg prices lower to draw shoppers in and taking a loss on egg sales.
People tend to bake more in the winter, which leads to a seasonal spike in egg sales in winter months. This increase in demand is adding to the increase in egg prices.
There have been no documented cases of a human getting bird flu from eating an egg. Store-bought eggs are pasteurized, which kills the bird flu virus. If getting eggs from a farmstand or other non-pasteurized source, people should wash their hands after handling the eggs and it is recommended to cook eggs until firm or they reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
UNKNOWNS
While it is expected that egg prices will either remain high or continue to rise based on current trends, we do not yet know what egg prices will do for the remainder of 2025.
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The average price of eggs was $7.09 per dozen January 29th, 2025, an increase of 22% since January 1st. In 2024, 34.8 million chickens were killed by or culled due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). As of January 24th, that total increased by 8.3 million birds. These losses, combined with factors like seasonal winter rise in egg demand, inflation, and individual state policies are leading to historically high egg prices. Current trends suggest egg prices will remain high or rise throughout 2025.
WHAT WE KNOW
The average price of $7.09 means that in some areas of the country and in some stores egg prices may not be that high, and in other areas like some parts of California egg prices could be as high as $9.00/dozen.
In states where laws require chickens to be cage-free, the prices are higher because cage-free eggs are more expensive. This is why egg prices in California reached over $9.00/dozen in some stores.
Some stores are keeping egg prices lower to draw shoppers in and taking a loss on egg sales.
People tend to bake more in the winter, which leads to a seasonal spike in egg sales in winter months. This increase in demand is adding to the increase in egg prices.
There have been no documented cases of a human getting bird flu from eating an egg. Store-bought eggs are pasteurized, which kills the bird flu virus. If getting eggs from a farmstand or other non-pasteurized source, people should wash their hands after handling the eggs and it is recommended to cook eggs until firm or they reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
UNKNOWNS
While it is expected that egg prices will either remain high or continue to rise based on current trends, we do not yet know what egg prices will do for the remainder of 2025.
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The Biden administration introduced a proposal to require Medicare D plans and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs by defining them as treatment for chronic disease. Medicare D plans are currently banned from covering these medications for weight loss. Currently, 14 state Medicaid plans cover weight loss prescriptions. The proposal would require all states to cover these medications. There is a 60-day public comment period on this proposal, meaning that the Trump administration will decide if it is implemented.
WHAT WE KNOW
Medicare (for adults over 65) requires the addition of D plans to cover prescription medication, the proposal would add coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs to the D plan.
Medicaid (for people over the age of 18 of lower incomes) is different from Medicare in that it currently covers most outpatient prescription medication without an additional plan. This is decided by the state, and all states have drug coverage for Medicaid.
Fourteen states already cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs under Medicaid, including California, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. The proposal would require all states to provide this coverage.
UNKNOWNS
There is no specific information about when this change will take effect and how it will be rolled out across different states or regions.
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The Biden administration introduced a proposal to require Medicare D plans and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs by defining them as treatment for chronic disease. Medicare D plans are currently banned from covering these medications for weight loss. Currently, 14 state Medicaid plans cover weight loss prescriptions. The proposal would require all states to cover these medications. There is a 60-day public comment period on this proposal, meaning that the Trump administration will decide if it is implemented.
WHAT WE KNOW
Medicare (for adults over 65) requires the addition of D plans to cover prescription medication, the proposal would add coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs to the D plan.
Medicaid (for people over the age of 18 of lower incomes) is different from Medicare in that it currently covers most outpatient prescription medication without an additional plan. This is decided by the state, and all states have drug coverage for Medicaid.
Fourteen states already cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs under Medicaid, including California, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. The proposal would require all states to provide this coverage.
UNKNOWNS
There is no specific information about when this change will take effect and how it will be rolled out across different states or regions.
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Bird flu virus was detected in a Lincoln wastewater sample on January 16th. Two Lincoln wastewater sites have participated in monitoring for bird flu since May 2024. This is the first time the H5 virus has been detected in any Lincoln sample. It is unknown if the virus came from an animal or human source, or if the virus is highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1). There are no reported human cases of H5 in Lancaster County, and risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Lincoln began testing wastewater for bird flu in May 2024, this is the first time the virus has been detected in Lincoln.
It is impossible to tell if the subtype of bird flu found was from an animal, animal product, or human source. This is because groundwater also runs into wastewater treatment facilities, so the sample could have come from a wild bird, farm runoff, or any other number of sources.
The sample was found at the Northeast Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Risk to the public remains low, and there is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
UNKNOWNS
Wastewater monitoring is able to detect H5 but can’t tell if the specific type of H5 is highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), which has caused the majority of bird flu infections reported in people. There are nine known subtypes of H5 viruses.
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heard this concern.
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Cases of whooping cough were lower in 2020-2023 than in 2019 due to increased masking and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, preliminary reports show that the number of cases in December 2024 would surpass the number of cases from December 2019. We are still waiting for complete numbers from December 2024. Infants have historically been most affected by whooping cough, and this remains true in 2024. This increase is likely due to a combination of factors including increased surveillance and waning vaccine protection.
WHAT WE KNOW
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through coughing and sneezing. Early-stage symptoms can be mild and include a runny and stuffy nose. Later stage symptoms can be more severe, and coughing can be so intense it may be hard to breathe, eat, or sleep.
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for people of all ages starting at two months of age. It is given as a combination vaccine with diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP for children younger than 7 years old; Tdap for older children and adults).
Early treatment for whooping cough is important, and antibiotics can help make the infection less severe if given early.
In December 2024, it is estimated that six times as many cases were reported compared to December 2023. We are still learning about the cause of this increase.
UNKNOWNS
We are still learning about the cause for this increase in cases, and complete data from 2024. Other factors that we are still learning more about is the long-term effectiveness of whooping cough vaccines.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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HMPV (human metapneumovirus) is not a new virus. It has been around for decades. HMPV causes respiratory illness similar to the common cold and most people recover in a few days. HMPV was first documented in the Netherlands in 2001 and now occurs worldwide. Claims of rising HMPV cases in China are misleading. This is a normal seasonal trend for the virus, similar to how flu cases go up in colder months. There is currently no evidence of a higher-than-expected rate of spread in China.
WHAT WE KNOW
HMPV was documented relatively recently in 2001 in the Netherlands, but research suggests that antibodies to the virus were present in people over 50 years ago.
Most people with HMPV experience mild symptoms and recover in a few days. Young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with weakened immune systems may develop a more serious respiratory infection and require medical care.
To avoid HMPV and other respiratory viruses, wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your face and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
UNKNOWNS
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heard this concern.
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On January 6, a Louisiana resident died from bird flu after exposure to an infected backyard flock, becoming the U.S.’s first human bird flu death. The person was 65+ with underlying medical conditions. Samples of the bird flu virus from the patient showed mutations from the backyard flock, which likely contributed to more severe illness. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the public remains low.
WHAT WE KNOW
Genetic testing showed that the genotype of the virus the person was infected with was D.1.1, which is related to other D.1.1 genotypes spreading in wild birds and poultry. This is a different type from the B3.13 genotype currently spreading in dairy cows and some poultry flocks.
The D.1.1 genotype also caused severe disease in a teenager in British Columbia and is linked to several mild cases in Washington State.
Mutations in the virus likely increased the virus’ ability to attach to the human respiratory tract. This mutation was also seen in the severe case of bird flu in Canada.
No person-to-person transmission has been identified, and this is the only human case of bird flu reported in Louisiana as of 1/10/25. The risk to the public remains low.
UNKNOWNS
Public health and government officials continue to monitor cases of H5N1 or bird flu and genetically sequence human cases for any signs of virus mutations. These mutations could result in increased transmission between humans, increased resistance to vaccines, or reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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This is true but expected during fall and winter months. The most up-to-date number of local cases is usually available on local or state health department websites, and national numbers are reported on the CDC website. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines are effective for preventing serious illness from these diseases. At-home tests are available for COVID-19 and flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases are higher than they were in the summer months, but this is a normal seasonal trend for respiratory diseases. Public health experts expect hospitalizations for these three diseases to be lower or similar to last year.
Vaccines can help prevent severe respiratory diseases, and the COVID-19 and Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines with some rare exceptions. RSV vaccines are recommended for adults ages 75 and older, or those 65-74 at an increased risk of disease.
Over the counter medications such as nasal sprays with phenylephrine can help reduce a stuffy nose (congestion), but medications taken by mouth (oral) with phenylephrine are not effective.
If you feel sick or start having symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, stay home and away from others for 24 hours or until you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms are improving.
UNKNOWNS
Respiratory disease cases vary locally. Some states get outbreaks at different times than others.
Sometimes respiratory disease case data is not available in real time.
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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Norovirus cases are higher than usual for this time of year. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhea that lasts 2-3 days. A small amount of the virus is enough to make someone sick. It is spread through contaminated food and surfaces. Public health experts are still learning about the cause of the increase. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may not kill the virus, so the best prevention is washing hands often with soap and water.
WHAT WE KNOW
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of the New Year’s holiday, nearly 28% of norovirus tests returned positive, more than double the 13.52% peak positivity rate seen in March 2024.
A CDC norovirus monitoring program in 14 states shows higher than usual norovirus levels for this time of year. During the first week of January, about 28% of tests were positive for norovirus, which was double the 14% test positivity rate seen in March 2024.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and human immunity to norovirus doesn’t last very long – 6 months to 2 years -- after someone gets sick. The virus can have genetic variations every year which makes it more likely people who had it before could get sick again. For these reasons, it is not unusual for norovirus cases to be higher than usual in some years.
People can be contagious with norovirus before they get sick or after they start to feel better. It is important to continue to limit contact with others at least 2 days after symptoms stop to avoid spreading the virus.
People can also get the virus from contaminated food like oysters, shellfish, and leafy greens. To help prevent getting norovirus from contaminated food, cook shellfish and oysters to a temperature of 145 degrees, wash fruits and vegetables, and disinfect surfaces that unwashed produce or raw shellfish have touched.
UNKNOWNS
There is not enough data to tell if the norovirus illnesses are more severe this year, and more data is needed to confirm if a different strain of norovirus is causing the increase in cases.
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heard this concern.
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The average price of eggs was $7.09 per dozen January 29th, 2025, an increase of 22% since January 1st. In 2024, 34.8 million chickens were killed by or culled due to highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). As of January 24th, that total increased by 8.3 million birds. These losses, combined with factors like seasonal winter rise in egg demand, inflation, and individual state policies are leading to historically high egg prices. Current trends suggest egg prices will remain high or rise throughout 2025.
WHAT WE KNOW
The average price of $7.09 means that in some areas of the country and in some stores egg prices may not be that high, and in other areas like some parts of California egg prices could be as high as $9.00/dozen.
In states where laws require chickens to be cage-free, the prices are higher because cage-free eggs are more expensive. This is why egg prices in California reached over $9.00/dozen in some stores.
Some stores are keeping egg prices lower to draw shoppers in and taking a loss on egg sales.
People tend to bake more in the winter, which leads to a seasonal spike in egg sales in winter months. This increase in demand is adding to the increase in egg prices.
There have been no documented cases of a human getting bird flu from eating an egg. Store-bought eggs are pasteurized, which kills the bird flu virus. If getting eggs from a farmstand or other non-pasteurized source, people should wash their hands after handling the eggs and it is recommended to cook eggs until firm or they reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
UNKNOWNS
While it is expected that egg prices will either remain high or continue to rise based on current trends, we do not yet know what egg prices will do for the remainder of 2025.
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The Biden administration introduced a proposal to require Medicare D plans and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs by defining them as treatment for chronic disease. Medicare D plans are currently banned from covering these medications for weight loss. Currently, 14 state Medicaid plans cover weight loss prescriptions. The proposal would require all states to cover these medications. There is a 60-day public comment period on this proposal, meaning that the Trump administration will decide if it is implemented.
WHAT WE KNOW
Medicare (for adults over 65) requires the addition of D plans to cover prescription medication, the proposal would add coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs to the D plan.
Medicaid (for people over the age of 18 of lower incomes) is different from Medicare in that it currently covers most outpatient prescription medication without an additional plan. This is decided by the state, and all states have drug coverage for Medicaid.
Fourteen states already cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs under Medicaid, including California, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin. The proposal would require all states to provide this coverage.
UNKNOWNS
There is no specific information about when this change will take effect and how it will be rolled out across different states or regions.
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