As the flu season gains momentum, U.S. health officials announced that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, which can have severe impacts on children and the elderly, may be reaching their peak. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that COVID-19 continues to cause the highest number of hospitalizations and deaths among respiratory illnesses. Approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and 1,000 deaths occur each week due to COVID-19.
The CDC is currently investigating reports of pneumonia outbreaks in children in two states. However, Cohen clarified that there is no evidence suggesting that these outbreaks are due to anything unusual.
Data from the CDC’s latest report reveals that the number of states reporting high levels of flu-like illnesses has increased from seven in early November to eleven recently, mainly in the South and Southwest regions.
In the past month, RSV infections have risen dramatically in certain parts of the country, leading to overcrowding in hospital emergency departments in Georgia, Texas, and other states. However, Cohen believes that the RSV season may have already peaked or is expected to do so in the coming weeks.
Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be especially dangerous for infants and older individuals.
The CDC also addressed concerns about pneumonia cases in children reported in Massachusetts and Warren County, Ohio. Cohen explained that lung infections can have numerous causes and may arise as a complication of COVID-19, flu, or RSV. In Ohio, health officials have identified 145 cases since August, with most children recovering at home. The illnesses were found to be caused by various common viruses and bacteria. Massachusetts health officials observed a slight rise in pneumonia cases in children, but stated that it is consistent with the seasonal pattern.
China recently experienced a surge in respiratory illnesses, which their health officials attributed to the flu and other typical causes.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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