The Theodora Psaltopoulou, Rodanti Eleni Sirigu, Yiannis Danasis and Thanos Dimopoulos (EKPA Chancellor) physicians at the Therapeutic Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Rodanti Eleni Sirigu, summarize the findings of a recent publication by Fenit Nirappil in the Washington Post. regarding the CDC outbreak warning flufrom RSV and his coronavirus during the winter months.

While new coronavirus cases have declined in recent weeks, federal health officials have warned they are facing high levels of other viruses as they return to pre-pandemic normality, and many Americans, especially children, they are not insured.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued warnings about respiratory viruses to thousands of health care providers in order to accelerate virus detection, treatment and vaccination of the population.

US flu hospitalization record

Least 4300 flu patients were hospitalized in the week ending October 29, highest number of hospitalized flu patients in a decade and almost double since last week, according to the CDC.

Flu season began six weeks earlier this year, at levels not seen since the 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic.

With the rise in cases of RSV, influenza and Covid-19, hospitals are expected to be affected by another winter says Don O’Connell, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for Preparedness and Response. But it is very important to note that there are safe and effective vaccines for both influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

RSV virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of cold symptoms in children.

There is no vaccine for RSV, but Pfizer plans to get approval to administer a vaccine during pregnancy.

While RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalization for young children, the virus also poses a major threat to the elderly and immunocompromised adults.

Despite the decline in coronavirus cases, risk groups should consider taking increased precautions due to other respiratory viruses circulating.

good news

During flu season, the burden on hospitals may not be as debilitating for the health care system if cases are relatively mild. Lynette Brammer, an epidemiologist who leads the CDC influenza surveillance team, said officials have yet to see evidence of a more virulent flu strain.

David Rubin, who tracks respiratory viruses for PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, says it’s premature to declare a crisis at the hospital. The youth mental health crisis and shortage of child beds across the country have made it harder for the health care system to deal with rising cases of respiratory infections.

Now, adult hospitals are in a better position as they are in the majority.

Precautions needed

State and local health authorities are urging parents and families to take precautions to stay healthy and avoid overburdening hospital systems, said Ann Zink, a senior Alaska health official and president of the State and Territory Health Association.

These precautions include getting vaccines on time, staying home when you are sick, and washing your hands regularly.

Government guidance often downplays the use of masks, a measure that has rarely been implemented in previous respiratory virus seasons but has proven effective in tackling the spread of the coronavirus.

Experts say the lack of exposure to other viruses, with the population maintaining social distancing and wearing masks to avoid contracting Covid-19, has contributed to the current situation.

Regular contact with respiratory viruses, which usually occurs and immunity develops year after year, has not been in recent years.