Amidst the ongoing respiratory virus season in the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts that the peak is yet to arrive, emphasizing the vulnerability due to low vaccination rates, leading to severe diseases and straining healthcare systems. The CDC’s recent update highlighted a rapid surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, accompanied by an uptick in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) caused by COVID-19. Additionally, influenza activity is on the rise across most regions, while RSV remains prevalent in numerous areas.
In the week ending November 25, CDC data revealed a 52% increase in hospitalizations related to respiratory viruses, marking over 8 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the US. While COVID-19 still dominates these hospitalizations, flu and RSV cases are escalating at a faster pace.
Despite observing about half the number of respiratory virus hospitalisations compared to the same period last year, the CDC forecasts a similar tally of hospitalisations this season, surpassing pre-pandemic rates significantly.
Emphasizing the importance of vaccination as a shield against severe outcomes, the CDC underscores the urgent need to elevate vaccination coverage amidst escalating respiratory diseases. While vaccinations remain the primary defence, the agency advocates for testing, treatment, and everyday preventive measures like covering coughs and staying home when ill to mitigate the spread and impact of these illnesses.
Flu-like activity predominantly thrives in the South but shows moderate to high levels in almost half of the US states. Doctor’s office visits for influenza-like symptoms have surpassed the national baseline for six consecutive weeks, extending beyond baseline levels across all 10 geographical regions.
While signs suggest a decline in RSV activity with decreasing test positivity rates and emergency department visits, RSV hospitalization rates remain notably high, except for last season’s peak. This season, seniors have experienced the highest hospitalization rates for respiratory viruses, closely followed by young children. Children under 5 years old had a substantial hospitalization rate primarily due to RSV.
In emphasizing the layers of protection needed this season, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen reiterated the importance of vaccines, testing, treatment, hygiene practices, ventilation, and masks as critical tools to weather the challenges posed by these viruses.
