All articles tagged with #respiratory viruses
US respiratory virus activity is high, driven by flu and RSV, with increasing hospitalizations and pediatric deaths, while COVID-19 levels remain low but rising; recent changes to vaccination recommendations have sparked controversy, and overall vaccination coverage remains suboptimal.
Brown University Health has implemented a strict mask requirement at all its hospitals due to rising respiratory virus transmission, including COVID-19 and flu, requiring all patients, visitors, and staff to wear Level 2 surgical masks at all times.
Brown University has implemented a mask mandate across all facilities due to a rise in respiratory viruses, requiring masks for patients, visitors, and staff during direct care to prevent transmission.
Young children are the most common carriers of respiratory viruses in households and schools, often spreading illnesses like colds, coronaviruses, and flu due to developing immune systems and habits like sharing toys. Preventative measures such as handwashing, surface disinfection, masks, ventilation, and vaccinations can help reduce transmission, especially during peak respiratory virus season.
A study finds that young children in pre-kindergarten and elementary school harbor the most respiratory viruses, with over 92% of these kids testing positive for at least one virus, highlighting their role in spreading illnesses like colds and COVID-19 during the fall season.
The US federal government shutdown has halted national respiratory virus surveillance, creating critical gaps in data on flu, COVID-19, and RSV just as the season begins, potentially impairing public health responses and communication, despite ongoing local efforts and some data collection by states.
California faces a potentially severe respiratory virus season similar to last year, with early signs of increased flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity, compounded by low vaccination rates. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures as the region monitors rising cases and international trends suggest an early and intense flu season.
As respiratory virus season begins, health experts emphasize the importance of getting updated COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, which are available at most pharmacies and healthcare providers. The CDC recommends vaccination for all eligible individuals, with specific timing suggestions, and highlights that vaccines help reduce severe illness and hospitalizations. Additional preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and staying home when sick.
Britain is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, and Covid due to seasonal factors, increased indoor activity, and waning immunity, with Rhinovirus being most common. While symptoms overlap, most illnesses are mild, and vaccination along with good hygiene can help protect vulnerable populations. The pattern of virus circulation is returning to normal after pandemic disruptions.
Sonoma County has mandated masking for healthcare workers in certain facilities caring for vulnerable populations through March to reduce the spread of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses, focusing on areas where patients and staff interact, with the order being reissued annually based on surveillance data.
Freshers' flu, caused by a mix of common cold viruses, is prevalent among students due to close contact, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep during university orientation, making it hard to avoid and often more severe than typical colds. It spreads easily in crowded environments, and while usually mild, it can sometimes lead to serious infections like meningitis. Maintaining good hygiene, rest, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
NYC health officials recommend everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines, emphasizing their safety, the importance of vaccination for high-risk groups, and the availability of free vaccines regardless of insurance or immigration status, despite confusing federal messaging.
Summer viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV are still circulating, with COVID-19 trending up and the new 'stratus' variant present. Despite common myths, viruses can spread in summer, especially indoors. Preventive measures such as good hygiene, outdoor activities, and vaccination remain important, particularly for vulnerable groups and children. Timing of COVID-19 boosters should consider individual risk and seasonal patterns.
COVID-19 continues to surge each summer due to factors like travel, indoor gatherings, waning immunity, and virus mutations, with recent increases in California reflected in higher test positivity and emergency room visits, despite the pandemic's decline in public consciousness. Vaccination rates remain low, especially among younger populations, and health officials recommend staying up to date on vaccines, wearing masks in indoor public spaces, and practicing good hygiene to reduce risk.
Summer viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV are still circulating, with COVID-19 trending up due to the emerging stratus variant, which is only marginally better at evading immunity. Despite common myths, viruses can spread in summer, especially indoors. Preventive measures such as vaccination, good hygiene, and staying outside when possible remain important. Experts suggest timing COVID-19 boosters based on individual risk and upcoming activities, with higher caution for vulnerable groups.