With the holidays in full swing, the U.S. is facing high rates of respiratory virus activity and alarmingly low levels of vaccination against COVID, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency issued a health alert on Thursday, warning healthcare providers that this combination could result in more severe disease and an overwhelming strain on healthcare capacity in the coming weeks.
Recent data from the CDC reveals a significant increase in hospitalizations for flu, COVID, and RSV within the last month. Hospitalizations for flu have risen by 200%, COVID by 51%, and RSV by 60%. In light of these concerning trends, the CDC stresses the importance of vaccination and the recommendation of antiviral treatments for those at risk of serious illness.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, emphasized that it is not too late to get vaccinated. The CDC’s health alert includes a conversation guide for healthcare providers to address vaccine concerns and provide essential information to hesitant individuals.
Unfortunately, vaccination rates fall below where they should be for all age groups. The CDC found that there were 7.4 million fewer influenza vaccine doses administered to adults in pharmacies and physician offices compared to the previous flu season. As of mid-November, only 36.1% of adults had received a flu shot, with just 58.6% of people over 65 being vaccinated. These numbers are lower than the previous year’s rates.
The availability of the RSV vaccine is relatively new, so there is no comparative data. However, by December 2, approximately 16% of adults over 60 reported receiving the vaccine.
Mark Cameron, an infectious disease researcher at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, expressed concern about the low rates of COVID vaccination. Currently, only 17% of adults have received the updated COVID shot, with 36% of those over 65 being vaccinated. These numbers have declined from the previous year.
Alongside low vaccination rates, the U.S. is experiencing an increase in respiratory virus rates. RSV season is at its peak, while flu cases are on the rise. COVID cases are elevated and increasing across several regions, particularly in the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic.
Experts are also monitoring the emergence of new Omicron variants, which coincide with the surge in hospitalizations and virus activity. The HK.3 variant now accounts for approximately 7.7% of cases, and the JN.1 variant, which has grown significantly since early November, represents one in five COVID cases. While the severity of the JN.1 variant remains similar to other variants, it is expected to contribute to increased infections, hospitalizations, and deaths in the coming weeks.
Vaccinations play a crucial role in managing the rise of RSV, COVID, and flu, preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and fatalities. Despite the challenges posed by new variants and increasing case numbers, Dr. Cohen assures that the tools available to combat the viruses continue to be effective. She urges individuals to get vaccinated, emphasizing that it is not too late, especially before the holidays.
However, in addition to vaccination, it is essential to implement other safety measures. If feeling unwell, individuals should stay home and seek testing and treatment. Safety precautions, such as wearing masks, gathering outdoors, or opening windows, should be considered based on individual risk factors. Dr. Cohen emphasizes the importance of evaluating the risk of gathering with specific individuals, particularly vulnerable populations.
As COVID cases are expected to climb over the next few weeks, and with the flu season still ongoing, getting vaccinated remains a critical step in protecting oneself and others. Dr. Cohen concludes by saying, While the virus has continued to change and spread quickly, our tools continue to work against it.
The holidays can be enjoyed safely by using all available protective measures and considering the well-being of others. With vigilance and adherence to guidelines, individuals can gather with their loved ones and create lasting memories while minimizing the risk of virus transmission.
