All articles tagged with #hospital admissions
Flu cases in England are decreasing ahead of Christmas, offering encouraging news, though experts warn the virus could rebound in the new year. The UKHSA reports medium-level circulation and a decline in hospital admissions, but emphasizes continued vigilance and preventive measures like handwashing, ventilation, and mask-wearing to prevent further spread during the holiday season.
The number of elderly people (OAPs) admitted to hospitals for snorting cocaine has increased by a third over two years, with some in their 90s using the drug to cope with health issues, loneliness, or bereavement, despite being a small percentage of total cases.
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the U.S., with hospital admissions increasing by 20 percent in the most recent week. Wastewater surveillance data shows higher virus levels, and the dominant Omicron JN.1 subvariant is causing 61.6 percent of cases. Only 21.4 percent of adults have received the updated COVID-19 shot. Health experts expect elevated viral activity to continue through January, with the CDC advising precautions for high-risk individuals in counties with medium or high hospital admission rates.
With COVID-19 cases rising, at-home rapid tests may take longer to show positive results due to accumulated immunity from vaccinations or previous infections. The delay in accurate test results could lead to a false sense of security for those testing negative despite having symptoms. Recommendations include immediate testing for symptoms, retesting if initially negative, and getting a PCR test for more sensitive results. Asymptomatic individuals exposed to COVID-19 should also follow specific testing guidelines. The rise in COVID-19 cases is attributed to a more contagious subvariant, and free at-home tests are available through various government programs and health plans.
North Carolina reports another flu-related death, bringing the total to four for this flu season. Positive flu cases have increased by 84% week over week, with three deaths occurring in individuals over the age of 65 and one death in the 25-to-49 age range. RSV positive cases have surpassed COVID-19 cases for the first time in at least a year, with RSV cases up 21% and COVID-19 cases up 15% week over week. Emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses have increased by 14%, with COVID-19 visits up 7%, suspected flu visits up 32%, and RSV visits up 15%. Hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased by 5%, while flu hospital admissions have risen by 26% week over week. COVID-19 particles detected in wastewater have decreased by 8% since the previous week.
Covid-19 hospitalizations have increased by 24% in the UK as the new variant Pirola spreads across the country. Pirola, also known as BA.2.86, is a highly mutated Omicron strain with 34 additional mutations that could potentially evade vaccines. The variant has been detected in 15 countries, including France, Japan, Australia, and Denmark. Common symptoms of Pirola include a runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, diarrhea, eye irritation, and rashes. The UK has seen a 24.8% increase in Covid patients being admitted to hospitals. The severity of the illness caused by Pirola is still uncertain, but there is no evidence suggesting it is more likely to cause serious illness than other Omicron variants. The autumn vaccine program has been brought forward as a precautionary measure.
COVID-19 levels in Missoula's wastewater have been rapidly increasing, now reaching three times the amount detected in April, according to Missoula Public Health. This concerning trend coincides with the approaching flu season, fall, and winter holidays, when people tend to gather indoors, potentially leading to further transmission of the virus. While Montana is the only state with a "medium" level of new hospital admissions, other counties in the state, such as Butte-Silver Bow, are experiencing high levels of hospitalizations. Missoula residents are encouraged to report positive COVID-19 tests and can find information on COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics.
Health officials in Missoula, Montana have detected an increase in COVID-19 levels in wastewater samples, indicating a rise in infections. Montana currently has the highest hospital admission rate per capita for COVID-19 in the United States. Wastewater surveillance provides data on the number of infected individuals, including asymptomatic cases. Officials urge people to take precautions, report positive at-home tests, and get tested if experiencing symptoms.
Four Midwestern states, including Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa, had the highest rates of COVID-19 test positivity in the week through September 23, according to the CDC. While the severity of the pandemic has decreased, there are still hundreds of deaths and thousands of hospitalizations each week. Some states have seen a substantial increase in hospital admissions, and the CDC recommends getting vaccinated to prevent further spread. However, the rollout of the new COVID-19 vaccine has faced challenges, including insurance barriers and unexpected coverage denials. The government is addressing these issues to ensure vaccines remain accessible and free for most U.S. residents.
Covid-19 cases are on the rise again in the United States, including in Memphis, prompting a renewed emphasis on mask-wearing. Hospital admissions have increased by about 12% nationwide in recent weeks. The Shelby County Health Department is urging parents to get updated booster shots for their children, even though Covid-19 is not required for school entry. Despite the increase in cases, health experts note that Covid rates are still relatively low compared to previous levels.
Chicago is experiencing its lowest COVID-19 hospital admission rates since the start of the pandemic, but Northwestern Medicine clinicians are warning about the lingering effects of long COVID. A study released by the hospital system's Comprehensive COVID-19 Center revealed that thousands of patients have suffered from a range of serious medical issues, including cognitive impairment, altered lung function, and decreased quality of life. The study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating long COVID. While hospital admissions are declining, the center is expanding its practice to address the ongoing impact of the disease.