New Year, Same Sniffles with Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Julie Holt
1/11/20242 min read
As we step into a fresh year, the crisp January air brings with it a reminder of the ongoing respiratory season. The familiar sound of increased sniffles at the grocery store or back in the office is a clear sign. While the new year brings hope and promise, it's essential to stay vigilant, especially now that our "flu season" includes multiple viruses circulating at once: COVID-19, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and influenza. The number of respiratory illnesses (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across most areas of the US and Canada.
Wastewater surveillance, a crucial tool in tracking the prevalence of COVID-19, indicates heightened activity. In Canada, the Health Infobase provides a detailed overview of wastewater surveillance, showcasing the increased presence of the virus in our communities. You can explore it here. Similarly, the CDC in the United States offers a comprehensive tracker to stay informed about viral activity in your surroundings, available here.
Influenza activity is also regularly tracked by the CDC, as are hospitalizations in children for RSV. You can access the CDC's influenza tracker here.
Prioritizing Health in the New Year
As we embrace the new year, prioritizing health goals and staying well during the respiratory season is crucial. Here are a few key considerations:
Continue Safety Measures
Despite the joyous start to the year, maintaining precautions is crucial. Keep practicing good hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded places where it makes sense for you, and adhere to local health guidelines.
Monitor Symptoms
With various respiratory viruses in circulation, it's important to be vigilant about any symptoms. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath, seek medical advice promptly and stay home from work or school if sick.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccination remains a powerful tool in combating the spread of respiratory illnesses. Stay informed about vaccination opportunities in your area and encourage others to do the same.
Stay Informed
Regularly check reliable sources for updates on the current respiratory season and the prevalence of viruses in your region. Being well-informed empowers us to make informed decisions about our activities.
By staying informed, adhering to safety measures, and supporting vaccination efforts, we can navigate the respiratory season with resilience and protect the health of our communities.
Cheers to a healthy and safe new year!
References and Additional Links
CDC Wastewater surveillance and Flu Trackers:
https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/main.html
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#wastewater-surveillance
Canada Health Infobase Wastewater surveillance
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/wastewater/
Contact
info@hghconsult.com
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