South Carolina is experiencing a severe flu outbreak, with the state recording its first pediatric death and children's hospitals reaching capacity. The state is listed as "very high" for flu activity, and experts predict it could become the worst state in terms of flu cases. The surge in cases may be due to Thanksgiving travel, and there are concerns about the upcoming holiday season. Doctors emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, as it can help reduce the severity of illness and protect vulnerable family members.
Children's hospitals are facing increased pressure as cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have risen by 36% in a week. Last week, almost 300 people were hospitalized with RSV, with the majority of cases being children aged up to 14. Hospitalizations due to RSV are at levels similar to last winter. The low uptake of vaccines, including those for RSV, is a concern and the inclusion of RSV vaccines in the immunization program is being considered. COVID-19 infections remain stable, while flu infections remain low and stable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested more information from China regarding an outbreak of unexplained pneumonia primarily affecting children in northern China. Reports indicate that children's hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning, and other cities are overwhelmed with sick children, leading to concerns of a potential epidemic. China's National Health Commission attributed the increase in respiratory illnesses to the lifting of COVID-19 measures and the spread of pathogens such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The WHO has asked for detailed epidemiologic and clinical information, as well as laboratory results, to determine the cause and extent of the outbreak. People in China are advised to update vaccinations, practice preventive measures, and undergo testing to reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections. The origins of the COVID-19 virus remain unclear despite a WHO investigation in Wuhan in early 2021.
Children's hospitals are preparing for a surge in admissions of infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) due to a shortage of the RSV drug, nirsevimab. The drug, marketed as Beyfortus, is a monoclonal antibody that can prevent severe RSV disease in infants. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged pediatricians to ration the drug and prioritize high-risk infants due to supply constraints. Demand for the drug has exceeded expectations, leading to a shortage. The CDC anticipates a similar number of RSV hospitalizations as last season, which overwhelmed hospitals. Pediatricians are also facing challenges with insurance coverage for the drug. In the meantime, the CDC advises expectant parents to consider a maternal RSV vaccine.
U.S. News & World Report released its latest rankings for the country’s top children’s hospitals, with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center taking the top spot. The rankings have come under legal scrutiny, with San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu alleging bias, questionable methodology, and undisclosed financing. The rankings now place more weight on measures of hospital quality like commitment to best practices and equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to identify the best hospitals based on location and specialty has become particularly important in recent years as healthcare systems reduce or eliminate their pediatric services in favor of more lucrative procedures.
UConn men's basketball players surprised Dunkin' customers in Manchester to celebrate National Iced Coffee Day and support Connecticut Children's and Yale New Haven Children's Hospitals. Patient ambassador Brian Roy, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, handed out gift cards and T-shirts, while UConn's Donovan Clingan surprised customers in the drive-thru. The players have been working with Dunkin' for NIL opportunities to give back to the community, and Dunkin's Iced Coffee Day has raised over $1.8 million for children's hospitals nationwide.
