Notícias de la Inspectoría

Respiratory Viruses are Here to Stay –  An Update from CDC

Abstracted by Sheila Kun, RN, BA, BSN, MS

I am reviewing the data from CDC (Center for Disease Control) because respiratory viruses are staying for Christmas. Many friends are coming down with respiratory illnesses. And the alarming fact is preventive measures such as vaccination is overlooked. I hope you will review the data below and take action to protect yourself. 

The amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across most areas of the country.

The U.S. is experiencing elevated RSV activity, particularly among young children. COVID-19 activity has continued to increase

  • Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are highest among infants and older adults but are also elevated for young children.  A group of Omicron variants (XBB and its sub-lineages) are the predominant lineages detected in the U.S
  •  Influenza A(H1N1) is the predominant influenza virus circulating.
  • RSV-associated hospitalization rates remain elevated among young children and are increasing among older adults.
  • For COVID-19, the rate of total new hospital admissions increased.
  • For influenza, the rate of total new hospital admissions is low but increasing. 
  • Rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations remain elevated among at all sites that monitor RSV hospitalizations. 

COVID-19 is the main driver of viral respiratory deaths.

  • The percentage of all emergency department visits with a discharge diagnosis of COVID is highest among adults 65+; visits due to RSV are highest among children under 4 years; influenza visits are highest among school aged children (5-17 years). 
  • Nationally, the percent of deaths due to respiratory viruses (COVID-19, influenza, and RSV combined) is highest among adults 65+.
  • The percent of the population reporting receipt of the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine is 7.7% for children and 17.2% for adults 18+, and 36.0% (33.0-38.9) among adults age 65+. 
  • The percent of the population reporting receipt of a flu vaccine is 41.6%.

Many people thought we are done with the Covid epidemic. It is true if you take the proper measure to protect yourself. The virus is accompanying us during the winter season. It is up to you to stop the spread. Go vaccinate! 

Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: be a smart health consumer – VACCINATE if you have not done so. 

Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com