Flu is Picking Up While RSV Lung Infections May Be Peaking
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. health officials have a new health concern: flu season. According to Dr. Mandy Cohen, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths have occurred each week due to COVID-19. Yet, health officials are also monitoring for the flu season and reports of a possible peak in RSV lung infections that can hit both kids and older people hard.
As of early November, seven states reported high levels of flu-like illnesses. This tally has increased to 11 states in the past month, mostly in the South and Southwest. The same states also noted a sharp rise in RSV infections, almost over-filling hospital emergency departments. Dr. Cohen suspects that this season’s RSV peak may have arrived or will arrive in the following week.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can prove to be especially dangerous for infants and older people. Officials are also looking into reports of pneumonia outbreaks in two states, Massachusetts and Ohio’s Warren county. Dr. Cohen has noted that while there is no evidence of these cases being due to anything unusual, a variety of common viruses and bacteria could be the culprit.
Massachusetts health officials have seen a modest increase in pneumonia cases among kids this season. Yet the Boston-area doctors assert that this is normal for the season and nothing to be overly alarmed about. Similarly, in Ohio’s Warren county, there have been 145 cases since August. Medical professionals note that the majority of the cases have been mild and the affected children have bounced back and recovered at home.
Additionally, Chinese health officials recently reported a surge in respiratory illnesses. While the cause of the outbreak is still under investigation, it is believed to be due to the flu and other customary pathogens.
Ultimately, the CDC encourage citizens to take precautions to avoid any potential respiratory illnesses. This includes washing hands regularly, wearing masks and face coverings, and avoiding large crowds. As the flu season is expected to keep rising in the coming weeks, it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments.
This year’s health concerns may seem overwhelming, but the good news is that there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection and ensure the safety of everyone involved. We must remain vigilant and do our part to prevent the spread of illness and keep our families safe.
