Chicago: Respiratory Virus Season Gains Momentum in the U.S., CDC Cautions of Impending Peak; Low Vaccination Rates Pose Risks”
“The United States is currently in the midst of the respiratory virus season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing a warning about an anticipated peak. The nation’s low vaccination rates are leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable to severe illness, putting added pressure on healthcare systems.
The rapid increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations is a cause for concern, and since the summer, there has been ongoing surveillance of the rise in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) linked to COVID-19. Simultaneously, influenza activity is on the upswing across many regions of the country, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains prevalent in numerous areas, according to the CDC’s recent update on Thursday.
“In certain regions of the country, pediatric hospital beds are approaching maximum capacity, reminiscent of the situation at this time last year. Should these patterns persist, the conclusion of this month might witness a renewed strain on emergency departments and hospitals. The resultant pressure on the healthcare system raises concerns about potential delays in providing care for individuals with other critical health conditions.”
“A diverse array of respiratory illnesses is currently prevalent. Instances of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are collectively contributing to a significant surge in viral infections,” remarked Dr. Jonathan Pinskey of Endeavor Health Edward Hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a substantial increase in hospitalizations across all age groups in the past four weeks, with a surge of 200% for influenza, 51% for COVID-19, and 60% for RSV.”
Flu Hospitalizations Surge, Outpacing COVID-19, and RSV Amid Urgent Vaccination Call
The week ending November 25 witnessed a substantial increase in respiratory virus-related hospitalizations in the US, with over 8 hospitalizations per 100,000 people—a 52% surge in the past month, as per CDC data. While COVID-19 still dominates these hospitalizations, cases of flu and RSV are rising more rapidly.
Despite an overall decrease in respiratory virus hospitalizations compared to the same period last year, the CDC’s latest forecast predicts this season may match the hospitalization rates of the previous season, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The CDC underscores the significance of vaccination as the most effective defense against severe outcomes from these viral respiratory illnesses. Urging higher immunization rates, the CDC notes that increased vaccination coverage could substantially reduce hospitalizations.
However, vaccination rates remain low, prompting the CDC to emphasize an “urgent need” to boost vaccination coverage amidst escalating respiratory disease levels.
Flu-like activity is most prominent in the South, with high or moderate levels in nearly half of all US states. Doctor’s office visits for influenza-like symptoms have surpassed the national baseline for six consecutive weeks and now exceed baseline in all 10 geographic regions.
This season, the CDC estimates 3.7 million flu cases, 38,000 hospitalizations, and 2,300 deaths. Wastewater analysis indicates high and rapidly increasing Covid-19 transmission levels nationally, with the Midwest experiencing the highest levels since the Omicron wave two years ago.
While signs suggest that RSV activity has peaked, hospitalization rates remain higher than the past five years, except for the peak during the previous season.
Seniors have the highest respiratory virus hospitalization rate, with approximately 230 per 100,000 people aged 65 and older hospitalized since October. However, young children also experience high rates, with nearly 33 out of every 100,000 children under 5 hospitalized for respiratory disease, primarily RSV.
In addition to vaccination, the CDC recommends testing, treatment, and everyday preventive measures, such as covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, to reduce the spread and impact of illness. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasizes the importance of these layers of protection in navigating the ongoing respiratory virus season.