If you feel like everyone you know is dealing with a cough, cold and runny nose, it’s not in your head. Multiple viruses, not just the flu, are currently circulating near season-high levels in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to wastewater data.
Flu tests show seasonal influenza activity continues to be elevated in the region, although it’s down from the season-high peak at the end of December, according to the California Department of Public Health.
But now other winter respiratory viruses are being detected at high rates. These viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus, can cause similar symptoms to the flu, including cough, fever, body aches and chills. While both viruses are common in winter months, they hit season highs this month in Redwood City and Palo Alto, according to wastewater data. They’re also currently circulating at high levels in San Francisco. Test positivity for RSV in the Bay Area is about 6%,down slightly from a season high of 6.3% in early January…