US officials are saying that five million fewer people received the influenza vaccines this year. Whereas, last year this number was considerably high.
Medical experts believe the US is in the middle of a tripledemic: three different viruses that could make people sick this winter.
US government health officials have issued a warning about cold and flu season early this year. They have already started monitoring the capacity of hospitals and the supply of medications, as well as offered extra supplies in case more are needed.
Cases of RSV and influenza are on the rise across the United States. The number of Covid-19 cases has been decreasing, but it doesn’t seem to have reduced as much lately.
Meanwhile, a cell-mediated immune response (CMI) variant called Omicron is leading to a new wave of illness.
Furthermore, the growing number of cases is becoming a strain on hospitals. Yesterday, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell said that her agency has been staying in close contact with healthcare systems and states.
“As of now, nobody has requested our additional help,” she said. As an expert in the industry and technology, she noted that so far, capacities across the country haven’t caused any problems. Monitoring capacity is crucial for future planning purposes.
She further remarked that she has no doubt that the stats will be facing some serious challenges this winter.
Data published by the US CDC shows that seventeen states and Washington, DC, are currently experiencing high respiratory illness. This marks a significant change this year as flu season has begun a lot earlier and more intensely.
Influenza activity is on the rise in the US. The CDC estimates that there have been over 1.6 million illnesses, about 13,000 hospitalizations, and 730 deaths from influenza since this season started.
So far, two children have died because of the flu. Influenza sufferers now account for one out of every 11 people screened a week ago.
It’s been a long since hospitalizations for the flu have been this high at this point in the season. The last time it occurred was during the H1N1 pandemic.
The latest data from the CDC is updated through October 29, and it shows that we have not seen this level of influenza activity in decades.
RSV cases are also on the rise in the country, and it’s being said that there are regional differences in the circulation of these viruses. RSV is known to be a common respiratory infection that causes a mild cold.
However, it can also cause serious health problems, especially in older adults and infants.
The US officials are issuing directions for the citizens, which they can follow in case they notice any symptoms. It’s been advised that people should avoid the guessing game, and if they feel a cold, headache, or any other flu symptoms, they should reach the nearby hospital and get tested.
