CDC Provides Essential Advice to Stay Safe from the Flu, Covid, and RSV
As we head into the holiday party season this year, more people are feeling congested because we are battling three different respiratory viruses: the flu, RSV and COVID. These viruses can potentially spread when we are near infected people. Fortunately, there are ways to keep yourself healthy this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued essential advice on how to avoid the viruses.
High Levels of RSV and Flu Illnesses
While several viruses can spread throughout the year, most occur in the fall and winter. However, illnesses seem to have gotten a head start this year. The nation is experiencing high than-usual levels of RSV and the flu for this time of year.
The CDC said seasonal influenza activity continues to increase across the United States. According to its latest data, over 8 million people were sick, nearly 78,000 were hospitalized, and about 4,500 died from the flu in 2022. However, the CDC said the situation with RSV is tricky. According to the agency’s data, RSV-related hospitalizations are 25 per 100,000. The rate was 8.5 per 100,000 during this same period in 2021.
Increase Covid Hospitalizations
The flu and RSV are not the only concerns. While many have put Covid behind us, the CDC said the spread has increased in the last two years, and this year will not be any different. COVID-related hospitalizations were up during the week of November. The latest data from the CDC shows over 5 percent of communities in the country are still battling coronavirus spread, with about an 18 percent increase in Covid hospitalizations compared to the week before. This is the highest level of COVID hospitalizations in the last three months. Health experts said the rate will continue to surge and peak in late December or early January.
Major Concerns for High Virus Circulation
Health experts said the flu season is starting early this year, with RSV and COVID also going around, is a perfect storm for a horrible holiday season. CDC officials said the rise in hospitalizations and cases is troubling as we head into winter when more people stay indoors with less ventilation and as the holiday season approaches with many gathering with loved ones across multiple generations.
How to Stay Safe from the Viruses
RSV and flu illnesses have decreased in the last two years because of COVID precautions. However, since coronavirus concerns have dropped, most people have ignored the safety measures. Health experts are encouraging everyone to bring back the safety precautions to reduce the chances of spreading respiratory illnesses during this holiday season.
They advise us to wear a well-fitted, high-quality mask indoors during the gatherings to prevent the spreading of viruses, especially those who live in areas with high levels of Covid transmission. They also encourage other preventive measures such as staying home when you’re sick, hand-washing, and increasing ventilation.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more tips on how to avoid the flu, RSV, and Covid this holiday season.
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