CDC Director Briefs Congress on Surge of Respiratory Illnesses, Highlights Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recently provided updates on the surge of respiratory illnesses in the US, particularly those associated with the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Speaking to a congressional subcommittee, Cohen emphasized the current spike of RSV cases in the southern US and the anticipated acceleration of the flu season in December and January, as per CNN.
Despite relatively low COVID-19 levels, the virus remains the primary cause of new respiratory hospitalizations and deaths, accounting for approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths weekly. Cohen stressed the importance of vaccination against these respiratory viruses and urged Americans to get vaccinated promptly. She also highlighted the critical need for testing and early treatment, emphasizing that antiviral drugs are most effective in the initial stages of infection.
Vaccination rates currently 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. Additionally, about 15% of older adults (60 and older) have been vaccinated against RSV.
Heightened respiratory virus activity has been observed in the southern and western regions of the US, with Warren County in Ohio reporting an outbreak of pediatric pneumonia cases contributing to the three-quarters capacity of pediatric hospital beds across the country, the highest since mid-December 2022.
As pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory viruses continue to rise, health experts stress the significance of taking precautions during this respiratory virus season. They urge the public to get vaccinated for both influenza and COVID-19, citing overlapping symptoms between the two viruses, which can heighten susceptibility to others weakening the immune system. Moreover, health authorities recommend adopting six healthy habits to stay safe during this season:
– Get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines
– Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
– Stay home if you feel symptomatic
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
– Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
In other news, the UK Health Security Agency has reported the detection of a new swine flu type, A (H1N2)v, clade 1b.1.1, in a human. Health authorities are investigating the possibility of community spread and are emphasizing the need for swift action to trace contacts and assess the risk to humans.
As the nation faces this surge in respiratory illnesses, health officials stress the importance of vaccination, preventive measures, and early intervention to mitigate the impact of these viruses, urging the public to remain vigilant.