In response to the cluster of “triple infections,” a coalition of local health officials has issued joint recommendations to stay safe during the upcoming holiday season, including a mask recommendation for people over 65.
Jessica Christian/The ChronicleThey warned us – and their predictions are coming true.
After the summer wave of coronavirus cases recedes into the fall, public health officials are concerned that SARS-CoV-2, along with other respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV, could return to circulation in the winter. I warned you it was expensive. While it’s too early to gauge the impact of Thanksgiving travel and family gatherings, metrics are already showing a sharp increase.
The Bay Area is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, coinciding with a significant wave of influenza and an alarming rise in the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus. In response to the cluster of “triple infections,” a coalition of local health officials issued joint recommendations Thursday to stay safe during the upcoming holiday season. The advisory included strongly worded advice for some people to wear protective masks.
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Data released on Friday California Department of Public Health It shows the number of people hospitalized with coronavirus infections has surged by 48% over the past month, reaching a total of 2,088 people in the week ending November 25. During the same period, California’s COVID-19 test positivity rate rose from 6.1% to 8.3%, and the coronavirus rate rose from 6.1% to 8.3% during the same period. The overall mortality rate increased from 1.5% to 2.7%.
Number of hospitalizations related to the new coronavirus nationwide continued to increase More than 19,400 new hospitalizations were reported in the week ending Nov. 25, the third straight week of increases, according to figures released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen reminded us: House Committee Hearing On Thursday, federal health officials expected an increase after the Thanksgiving period.
“What we’re seeing at this point is typical of a winter respiratory virus season,” Cohen said.
Wastewater data from the CDC shows current coronavirus levels across the country. expensive And it is trending upwards, poised to surpass the peak recorded earlier this year. There is also. Rapid increase in hospitalization rates for both influenza There is an abnormally high number of outpatient visits for RSV and respiratory diseases.
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California’s rise in flu cases is particularly noteworthy, with hospitalizations increasing 400% from just 14 last month to an average of 71 per day. At the same time, the state’s three-week rolling average of RSV test positivity rates is soars to 21%More than double in one month.
“RSV season is in full swing,” Cohen said. “The influenza epidemic has just begun in most parts of the country, but it is rapidly accelerating.”
However, she added: “Even though both are on the rise and RSV has reached its peak, COVID-19 remains the respiratory virus that is sending the most people to hospital and killing people. Yes,” he added.
In response to these growing concerns, health officials from all nine Bay Area counties and neighboring areas issued a unified call to action on November 30, urging residents to protect themselves during the holidays.
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Bay Area health officials recommend an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine, an annual influenza vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age, and an RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older. ing.
peter dasilvaThese measures include targeted vaccination against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, staying home when sick, rapid testing for symptoms, and seeking treatment in a timely manner. Notably, they gave specific recommendations for wearing masks in indoor public spaces, including KF94, KN95, and N95 masks for people over 65 and those with compromised immune systems. She advised people to consider wearing a high-quality face covering that fits snugly.
“Wearing a mask reduces the risk of getting sick and missing work, school, and holiday events,” the paper said.
It also reminded Bay Area residents who interact with vulnerable populations to consider wearing masks. “This will help protect those around you, especially those at higher risk of severe disease.”
About one-third of adults and children in the United States have received a flu shot this year, according to the latest data from the CDC. About 16% of adults and 6% of children have received a coronavirus vaccine, but the numbers are below the benchmarks required by government agencies.
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“That’s not enough,” Cohen said.
Additionally, only 15% of people over 60 have received the new RSV vaccine.
Health officials are currently monitoring other viral and bacterial outbreaks. This week, authorities in Ohio and Massachusetts reported a spike in pediatric pneumonia cases linked to pathogens such as adenovirus, pneumococcus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These bacteria may be linked to a surge in respiratory infections in China.
Children are suffering disproportionately from the rise in respiratory illnesses, with the government saying around 75% of children’s hospital beds are currently occupied across the country. federal dataThis marked the highest demand since December last year.
Contact Aidin Vaziri: avaziri@sfchronicle.com
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