[M T]

The CDC monitors influenza by calculating the % of outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses.  That upturn in the last few weeks is probably the virus--flu tends to drop off by this time (and is dropping off per some lab reports).

This report is of doctor visits.  It would be hard to distinguish cases that would not have gone to the doctor without the worry that it is COVID-19.  I can't remember how many years it has been since I might have made a visit for a flu-like illness.   I would say there's likely to much confounding causes for these visits to put ANY trust in this as indicating a higher than normal number of flu-like illnesses.

More visits? yes. 
More flu like illness?  No evidence.  If you recognize the public is scared of COVID-19, this isn't evidence of anything but increased fear.

[M T]

The CDC monitors influenza by calculating the % of outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses.  That upturn in the last few weeks is probably the virus--flu tends to drop off by this time (and is dropping off per some lab reports).

This report is of doctor visits.  It would be hard to distinguish cases that would not have gone to the doctor without the worry that it is COVID-19.  I can't remember how many years it has been since I might have made a visit for a flu-like illness.   I would say there's likely to much confounding causes for these visits to put ANY trust in this as indicating a higher than normal number of flu-like illnesses.

More visits? yes. 
More flu like illness?  No evidence.  If you recognize the public is scared of COVID-19, this isn't evidence of anything but increased fear.