CDC Director Updates Congressional Subcommittee on Surge of Respiratory Illnesses in the US
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provided a comprehensive update on the surge of respiratory illnesses in the US during a briefing to a congressional subcommittee on Thursday. Her update included vital information on the rise of flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases.
Cohen highlighted the current peak of RSV in the southern regions of the US, while also noting that the flu season is set to accelerate throughout December and January. Despite relatively low COVID-19 levels, it remains the predominant cause of new respiratory hospitalizations and deaths, accounting for approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths per week.
Underlying the importance of vaccination against these respiratory viruses, Cohen urged Americans to promptly get vaccinated and stressed the need for testing and early treatment if symptoms arise. She emphasized that antiviral drugs are most effective in the initial stages of infection.
Furthermore, current vaccination rates indicate that over a third of adults and children have received their flu shot, while only 16% of adults and 6% of children have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Approximately 15% of older adults (60 and older) have been vaccinated against RSV.
In addition, the southern and western regions of the US are experiencing heightened respiratory virus activity. Warren County in Ohio reported an outbreak of pediatric pneumonia cases, contributing to the three-quarters capacity of pediatric hospital beds nationwide, the highest since mid-December 2022.
Given the increasing pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, experts are urging the public to take necessary precautions during the current respiratory virus season. As flu season intensifies, health officials recommend vaccinations for both influenza and COVID-19, as well as adopting healthy habits to stay safe.
Meanwhile, a new swine flu type, A (H1N2)v, clade 1b.1.1, has been detected in a human in the UK. Although the patient recovered fully, health authorities are investigating the possibility of community spread, highlighting the need for swift action to trace contacts and assess the risk to humans.
As the nation faces a surge in respiratory illnesses, health officials stress the importance of vaccination, preventive measures, and early intervention to mitigate the impact of these viruses.
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