What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season
1 week, 6 days ago

What to know about infectious diseases during this holiday season

LA Times  

It’s that time of year, when families and friends come together to share their holiday cheer and a few circulating pathogens. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UC San Francisco, said people should be on the lookout for the “Big Four”: three respiratory viruses currently moving through the U.S. — influenza, COVID-19 and RSV — and one stomach virus — norovirus. Chin-Hong suspects the CDC’s outlook is based on the assumption that people have some “carryover immunity” from last year, and he said vaccinations help. “It’s never too late” to get vaccinated, he said, noting that flu season in the U.S. is just beginning. “The other hypothesis is that we just had enough cycles of it in the population, so maybe it kind of is low this year.” But, he said, COVID has proven itself a nimble and adaptable virus, continually spawning recombinant variants, so “coupled with low vaccination rates, that’s always the fear with COVID, that it’ll surge back.” The best things one can do to avoid the three respiratory viruses — influenza, COVID and RSV — is to follow “The three V’s: Vaccinate, ventilate and wash your hands very often,” he said.

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History of this topic

America faces a storm of 4 deadly viruses amid holiday travel: Quadruple virus outbreaks spread across the US
2 days, 10 hours ago

America faces a storm of 4 deadly viruses amid holiday travel: Quadruple virus outbreaks spread across the US

Hindustan Times  

As millions return to work after the holiday season, the US is grappling with an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal infections - a phenomenon that experts are calling the “quad-demic.” A combination of flu - Covid-19, RSV and norovirus - has seen a significant uptick since Christmas, with these viruses continuing to spread across the country. Flu, RSV, …

Sick season is in full force. What the latest CDC figures show
3 days ago

Sick season is in full force. What the latest CDC figures show

Associated Press  

The holidays came with a side of flu for many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest government health data. Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in …

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable
1 week, 6 days ago

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable

Daily Mail  

Experts have issued an urgent warning ahead of tomorrow's festivities amid spiralling flu infections — calling for 'lockdown' style measures to protect the most vulnerable. Rising pressures come despite data showing less than one in four frontline NHS staff have had the flu vaccine amid fears this year's version is less effective than hoped. Data suggests the flu jab used …

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
2 weeks, 3 days ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the largest private hospital in the state, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical …

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag
2 weeks, 3 days ago

US flu season is underway, as cases surge in some areas and vaccinations lag

India Today  

NEW YORK: The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday. So yeah, we are certainly in flu season now,” said the CDC’s Alicia Budd. “Just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” said Dr. Catherine O’Neal, an infectious diseases doctor at the …

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years
Trending News
2 weeks, 4 days ago

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The fresh NHS figures, which show hospital admissions for flu cases jumped by more than …

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Eligible people are being urged to take their last change to …

Don’t wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Don’t wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — If you missed the early fall push for flu and COVID-19 vaccines, it’s not too late. “Why not get a vaccine that’s going to help you reduce that risk?” Who needs a fall COVID-19 or flu vaccination? In addition, the CDC is recommending that people 65 and older get a second COVID-19 shot six months after their fall …

Long flu season winds down in US
8 months, 1 week ago

Long flu season winds down in US

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season appears to be over. Last week, for the third straight week, medical visits for flu-like illnesses dipped below the threshold for what’s counted as an active flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Only New England is seeing the kind of patient traffic associated with an active flu season …

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday …

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Flu hangs on in US, fading in some areas and intensifying in others

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The flu virus is hanging on in the U.S., intensifying in some areas of the country after weeks of an apparent national decline. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday showed a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high levels …

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come
1 year ago

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come

LA Times  

The winter COVID-and-flu season is ramping up in California and nationwide, with doctors and other experts saying the worst of the respiratory illness season is still to come. “And we’re probably not quite to the zenith of it yet,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Looking at some of the data that …

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
1 year ago

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The flu season in the U.S. is getting worse but it’s too soon to tell how much holiday gatherings contributed to a likely spike in illnesses. The flu season generally peaks between December and February; CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said she expects it to peak by the end of this month. According to CDC estimates, since …

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says
1 year ago

Flu and COVID infections got worse over the holidays, with more misery expected, CDC says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says
1 year ago

Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Look for flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily. About 42% of U.S. adults had gotten flu shots by the first week of December, down from …

COVID-19 and flu cases are rising in California. How bad will the holiday uptick be?
1 year ago

COVID-19 and flu cases are rising in California. How bad will the holiday uptick be?

LA Times  

COVID-19 and flu are rising across California, sparking new warnings from health officials to take precautions as the wider winter holiday season looms. “Getting tested and treated early can prevent you from getting severely ill, being hospitalized and can potentially save your life.” Relatively speaking, COVID-19, flu and another ailment — respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV — aren’t at the …

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say
1 year, 1 month ago

The flu is soaring in seven states and rising in others, health officials say

LA Times  

The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity this month in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and …

The flu is soaring in seven US states and rising in others, health officials say
1 year, 1 month ago

The flu is soaring in seven US states and rising in others, health officials say

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, …

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts
1 year, 1 month ago

Vigilance called for as peak flu season starts

China Daily  

By WANG XIAOYU| China Daily| Updated :2023-11-15 Health commission stresses improved monitoring as respiratory illnesses spread China is seeing the circulation of multiple infectious respiratory illnesses this winter, with surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, rising cases of influenza flu, but a downward trend in COVID-19 cases in recent days, health authorities and experts said on Monday. Mi Feng, spokesman of …

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps
1 year, 1 month ago

The Long Quest for a Universal Flu Vaccine Finally Takes Its First Steps

Wired  

At state health departments and academic medical centers, and at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, epidemiologists are intently watching two sets of data: the number of flu cases and the number of Americans taking flu shots. But there’s one more piece of data that will let analysts know how this flu season will unroll: whether the vaccine …

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help
1 year, 2 months ago

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help

CNN  

CNN — The first signs of respiratory virus season are just starting to show in the United States, but experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated now to stay healthy through the winter and reduce strain on the health care system. “With the addition of a third virus that can cause severe disease, even an average respiratory season can place …

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn
1 year, 4 months ago

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Delays to …

H3N2, Flu: Cocktail of Viruses Not Alarming but Seasonal, Says ICMR-National Influenza Centre Head
1 year, 9 months ago

H3N2, Flu: Cocktail of Viruses Not Alarming but Seasonal, Says ICMR-National Influenza Centre Head

News 18  

The “cocktail of viruses” in the air, which has increased infection from H3N2, Type B influenza, adenovirus and Covid-19, is not alarming but a usual trend, the chief of ICMR-run National Influenza Centre has told News18.com. Adenovirus Circulation Not ‘Bad’ Potdar, who heads the influenza division under NIV, said the adenovirus circulation is “not bad” and “around 6% positivity was …

Fewer than 20% of Minnesotans are current on COVID-19 shots
2 years ago

Fewer than 20% of Minnesotans are current on COVID-19 shots

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Fewer than 20% of Minnesotans are current on their COVID-19 shots ahead of the Christmas holiday, and health officials said Tuesday that that has them worried. “The numbers have been improving recently, and though this is better than the vast majority of the nation, it is way below where we would like to see it,” State Epidemiologist Ruth …

Now CDC calls for people to wear masks over Christmas to stop spread of FLU and RSV
2 years, 1 month ago

Now CDC calls for people to wear masks over Christmas to stop spread of FLU and RSV

Daily Mail  

RSV may finally be starting to slow with case and test positivity figures dropping The CDC reports more than 30,000 confirmed flu cases last week, a new high Nearly all US states are recording 'very high' levels of flu circulation this week America's leading health officials are now recommending masking to prevent the spread of RSV and the flu this …

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated
2 years, 1 month ago

With flu season here, health officials urge communities of color to get vaccinated

LA Times  

When Sandy Sandoval tries to encourage her family members to get the flu vaccine, they usually tell her that the shot does not work and the vitamins they’re taking are enough to protect them through the season. “I think a lot of people are kind of doing this mental calculus in their mind and saying ‘Well, I got four COVID …

Masking up, testing, sanitizing: Staying safe this Thanksgiving with COVID-19, flu and RSV
2 years, 1 month ago

Masking up, testing, sanitizing: Staying safe this Thanksgiving with COVID-19, flu and RSV

LA Times  

Chip Margelli and Janet Margelli deep-fry a turkey at Bolsa Chica State Beach last Thanksgiving. “And then I also think about, for the sake of our youngest Californians and other vulnerable Californians who could get severely sick after a respiratory illness, how important it is to gather in ways that might reduce risks of getting sick yourself or spreading infection …

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals
2 years, 1 month ago

‘Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals

Associated Press  

As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections. In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients …

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread
2 years, 2 months ago

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The U.S. flu season is off to an unusually fast start, adding to an autumn mix of viruses that have been filling hospitals and doctor waiting rooms. Reports of flu are already high in 17 states, and the hospitalization rate hasn’t been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the Centers for …

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread
2 years, 2 months ago

US flu season off to a fast start as other viruses spread

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.S. flu season is …

A ‘tripledemic’ of flu, RSV and COVID is feared in California
2 years, 2 months ago

A ‘tripledemic’ of flu, RSV and COVID is feared in California

LA Times  

Licensed vocational nurse Angela Tapia administers a COVID-19 booster to Louis Salazar Jr. as his father, Louis Salazar Sr., waits his turn at their home in Los Angeles. “We are potentially going into what people are calling a ‘tripledemic,’ or a ‘tridemic,’” warned Orange County health officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, who on Monday declared a health emergency amid a surge …

CDC director warns America is 'ripe' for a 'severe' flu outbreak this winter as cases quadruple
2 years, 2 months ago

CDC director warns America is 'ripe' for a 'severe' flu outbreak this winter as cases quadruple

Daily Mail  

And other respiratory illnesses are also spiking way before their typical seasons Almost half of a San Diego school were off on Wednesday with flu symptoms Cases have quadrupled since August in sign flu crisis will hit earlier than usual Americans should brace for a ‘severe’ flu outbreak this winter, one of the country's top doctors has warned. Experts are …

Nearly 40% of students absent at San Diego school as wave of illness signals fierce flu season
2 years, 2 months ago

Nearly 40% of students absent at San Diego school as wave of illness signals fierce flu season

LA Times  

The global public health community has warned for months that the U.S. may be in for a particularly severe flu season. Alarming surges of respiratory illness at a San Diego high school and the region’s only children’s hospital are strong evidence that a fierce flu season has arrived early this year. Bradley said the hospital has admitted about 250 young …

Experts anticipate dual Covid AND flu outbreak
2 years, 3 months ago

Experts anticipate dual Covid AND flu outbreak

Daily Mail  

The 'twindemic' is being felt in the south, with Texas reporting a quadrupling of cases in the past month Both Covid and flu could surge this winter causing a dreaded 'twindemic', experts fear — with some southern states already feeling the early stages of an influenza resurgence. The virus is being felt the most across the US south, with Texas, …

For now, wary US treads water with transformed COVID-19
2 years, 6 months ago

For now, wary US treads water with transformed COVID-19

Associated Press  

The fast-changing coronavirus has kicked off summer in the U.S. with lots of infections but relatively few deaths compared to its prior incarnations. “It’s going to be a good summer and we deserve this break,” said Ali Mokdad, a professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. “For the first time that I can remember, pretty …

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why
2 years, 6 months ago

Flu seasons, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have become unusual and unpredictable. Here's why

ABC  

After the COVID-19 pandemic delivered the world a crash course on virus behaviour, this year's flu season is proving what healthcare specialists and epidemiologists have been saying all along: Viruses are unpredictable and, sometimes, a little weird. "Flu circulation was massively interrupted when countries around the world started imposing restrictions," Dr Sullivan said. Inversely, in some Australian states, testing for …

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
2 years, 7 months ago

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

ABC  

Experts have sounded a warning about this year's flu season, with concerns young children will be particularly vulnerable to life-threatening complications. Key points: More than 400 people have been hospitalised with influenza in Queensland this flu season Doctors say children under two are particularly susceptible One expert says flu vaccines should be "essential" in vulnerable settings Queensland flu notifications for …

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms
2 years, 8 months ago

Your questions about flu season and vaccines answered as a COVID winter looms

ABC  

As the mercury drops and days get shorter, sniffles, sore throat and other classic symptoms of flu typically start rearing their snotty, grotty heads. The flu vax protects against four viruses Two influenza A : H1N1 was first detected in the Americas in 2009 and caused the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic H3N2 was behind the 1968 flu pandemic, which killed …

A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?
2 years, 10 months ago

A mild U.S. flu season is waning, but is it really over?

LA Times  

This winter’s mild flu season has faded to a trickle of cases in much of the U.S., but health officials aren’t ready to call it over. Kids have driven flu’s spread in past years, so “it’s quite possible we could see continued increases,” Brammer said. It seems like the current flu season is “easing to the finish line,” said Dr. …

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off
3 years ago

Flu is making a comeback in US after an unusual year off

Associated Press  

The U.S. flu season has arrived on schedule after taking a year off, with flu hospitalizations rising and two child deaths reported. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can …

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off
3 years ago

Flu is making a comeback in the U.S. after an unusual year off

LA Times  

Nurse Megan Chamberlain gives a flu shot to Anthony Devitt at a vaccine clinic in Brattleboro, Vt., on Oct. 26. “This is setting itself up to be more of a normal flu season,” said Lynnette Brammer, who tracks flu-like illnesses for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a sad reminder of how severe flu can be.” During …

A holiday season with vaccines, boosters and rising COVID-19 infections
3 years, 1 month ago

A holiday season with vaccines, boosters and rising COVID-19 infections

LA Times  

Millions of Americans will return to the Thanksgiving table this week for the first time in two years, with vaccines and boosters in their arms and rapid tests at their disposal. “I’m hopeful that it won’t be as bad as last winter, but it could still be really, really bad,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an infectious-disease expert at the Johns Hopkins …

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?
3 years, 1 month ago

How will the COVID pandemic affect flu season?

Al Jazeera  

Experts say Northern Hemisphere countries face an unpredictable winter as COVID continues to spread during the flu season. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are four types of influenza viruses A, B, C and D. But “human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease known as flu season.” People with influenza …

COVID is still crushing parts of the U.S. as the holiday season approaches
3 years, 2 months ago

COVID is still crushing parts of the U.S. as the holiday season approaches

NPR  

COVID is still crushing parts of the U.S. as the holiday season approaches Enlarge this image toggle caption Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/Denver Post via Getty Images Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/Denver Post via Getty Images The U.S. has settled into an uneasy, drawn-out exit from the delta surge that took hold over the summer. Sponsor Message "It's not going to look …

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’
3 years, 2 months ago

US health experts urge flu shots to avoid ‘twindemic’

Associated Press  

The U.S. is gearing up in case of a bad flu season on top of the continuing COVID-19 crisis, with a plea Thursday for Americans to get vaccinated against both. “We are preparing for the return of the flu.” Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally over the pandemic, as restrictions designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus …

Healthcare sector fears flu epidemic in winter
3 years, 3 months ago

Healthcare sector fears flu epidemic in winter

NL Times  

The healthcare sector is concerned about the strain a flu epidemic in the winter could put on the healthcare system, Het Parool reported. The population had less chance to get infected with the flu in the past one and a half years, due to social distancing rules being in place. Now that we haven’t come in contact with flu that …

Influenza cases hit an all-time low in Australia in 2021 — that could be a problem when it returns
3 years, 3 months ago

Influenza cases hit an all-time low in Australia in 2021 — that could be a problem when it returns

ABC  

If you have been thinking the flu has virtually disappeared from our lives, you are not wrong. Mal Greig is the treasurer of the Windsor Bowls Club — a place normally impacted by severe influenza seasons — and said the flu was a "non-existent issue" this year. Professor Barr said the closure of schools — normally a "hot bed for …

7 hopeful signs the US is moving past the worst of the pandemic
3 years, 6 months ago

7 hopeful signs the US is moving past the worst of the pandemic

CNN  

CNN — First, the good news: Covid-19 cases are down in the US. Here’s how the US is making major strides in this pandemic – and why Americans shouldn’t get a false sense of security: The number of high-transmission counties is plummeting Only about 2.4% of the US population — an estimated 8 million people — live in a county …

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US
3 years, 10 months ago

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — February is usually the peak of flu season, with doctors’ offices and hospitals packed with suffering patients. Scientists don’t fully understand the mechanism behind that, but it would be consistent with patterns seen when certain flu strains predominate over others, said Dr. Arnold Monto, a flu expert at the University of Michigan. Nationally, “this is the lowest …

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