NEW YORK  — U.S. health officials say the flu is becoming more prevalent, while RSV lung infections may be reaching their peak, which can significantly impact children and older individuals.
Flu U.S. health officials say
Dr. Mandy Cohen, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states that COVID-19 remains the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths among respiratory illnesses. Each week, it causes approximately 15,000 hospitalizations and about 1,000 deaths.
The agency is currently investigating pneumonia outbreaks in children reported in two states. However, according to Cohen, no evidence suggests that these outbreaks are caused by anything out of the ordinary.
COVID-19
According to a recent CDC report, the number of states with high flu-like illnesses has increased from seven in early November to eleven. The majority of these states are located in the South and Southwest regions.
RSV infections have experienced a significant surge in recent weeks, particularly in areas such as Georgia, Texas, and several other states.
This influx has led to overwhelming number of patients seeking treatment in hospital emergency departments. However, experts predict that we are currently at or near the RSV season’s peak, as Cohen suggested.
RSV, also known as respiratory syncytial virus, is a prevalent cause of mild cold-like symptoms. However, it can pose a significant risk for infants and older individuals.
During the interview, Cohen was questioned regarding the instances of pneumonia in children documented in Massachusetts and Warren County, Ohio, which is located near Cincinnati. Pneumonia can arise due to various factors and may also be a complication associated with COVID-19, flu, or RSV.
Since August, health officials in Ohio have documented 145 cases, with most children making a successful recovery at home.
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According to officials, these cases were attributed to a range of common viruses and bacteria.
According to Massachusetts health officials, there has been a slight rise in pneumonia cases among children, which is typical for this time of the year.
Meanwhile, China has recently experienced an upsurge in respiratory illnesses, which health officials have attributed to influenza and other common factors.