Respiratory disease ramping up

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that cases of respiratory viruses may be increasing as the holidays approach.

Although the infection rates for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus may be lower than in recent years, the CDC stressed that hospitalization rates could be higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, according to a news report from CNN.

The agency detailed that low vaccination rates for the flu, RSV and COVID-19 could be contributing to the heightened case numbers. For instance, just 20% of adults and about 8% of children have received updated COVID-19 vaccines. A survey revealed that adults may be avoiding the updated vaccine because they don’t think they need it or are concerned about adverse effects. Just 37% and 33% of adults and children, respectively have received their flu vaccine.

In addition, walking pneumonia has become more prevalent among young children since October. As a result, children’s hospitals have reported a rise in walking pneumonia-related hospitalizations and strain on their emergency departments.

The CDC underscored that vaccination is among the most effective strategies to prevent severe infections, hospitalization and death — particularly among those most at risk, including infants, young children and older adults.

Read more: CNN

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