Does it feel like everyone is sick right now? Here's which viruses are circulating

Health & Wellness Health Does it feel like everyone is sick right now? Here's which viruses are circulating In emergency rooms, cases of acute upper respiratory infections, sore throats, pneumonia and bronchitis are being reported, as of data through Halloween. By Alex Dvorak • Published 2 hours ago • Updated 2 hours ago Does it feel like everyone is sick right now? You're not alone. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a number of respiratory viruses are showing "unusual trends" for this time of year. In a recent report, the agency said four illnesses in particular are "have recently gotten attention in the news or are showing signs of increased activity." In emergency rooms, cases of acute upper respiratory infections, sore throats, pneumonia and bronchitis are being reported, as of data through Halloween. In some cases, the viruses are climbing at surprising rates. The latest surge has even led a suburban Chicago hospital to limit support people waiting in its emergency room as respiratory virus cases climb. Health & Wellness Health & Wellness Nov 6 Suburban hospital limits who's allowed in emergency room due to rise in respiratory illnesses Health & Wellness Oct 28 Sick right now? It's probably not the flu, but this virus is surging Here's a look at what's going around right now, according to the CDC: Group A strep Group A strep infections began to rise as kids returned to school this fall, but have started stabilizing since, the CDC reported. "Most of these reports have involved strep throat or scarlet fever, two infections caused by group A strep bacteria," the agency noted. "These bacteria can also cause serious infections, like streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis ('flesh-eating disease')." Rhinovirus/Enterovirus and Respiratory Adenovirus (HAdV) Rhinovirus and enterovirus cases are "elevated nationally" and respiratory adenovirus (HAdV) is "elevated in some regions of the country," CDC data showed. While the agency said such trends are "expected for this time of year," they could be behind a surge in coughs, fevers, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. More severe infections could also lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. "There are no vaccines available to the public for these illnesses. Prevention measures include hand washing, cleaning surfaces, and staying home when sick," the CDC reported. In the Chicago area specifically, medical experts have reported a rise in rhino enterovirus being seen. "You probably have rhino enterovirus, and probably not influenza. There is a pretty nasty round of rhino entero going around right now," Dr. Emily Landon, the executive medical director of Infection Prevention and Control at UChicago, told NBC Chicago in October. Mycoplasma pneumoniae While cases are low in most the U.S., according to emergency department visits and testing, respiratory infections caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae, also known as walking pneumonia, could be behind a chest hold or even cases of pneumonia, the CDC noted. Pertussis Whooping cough is a highly contagious and easily spread respiratory infection. While cases are lower than the levels seen during a post-pandemic peak, the CDC said it continues to circulate. "Babies younger than 1 year are at highest risk of severe disease and complications. The best way to prevent complications from whooping cough is to get vaccinated," the CDC wrote. This article tagged under: Health