Ah, the post-holiday season, a time for joy, celebration, and, apparently, a surge in flu, COVID-19, and other delightful illnesses. Just when we thought we could finally let our guards down and bask in the glory of the new year, hospitals across the United States are donning their restrictive masks and tightening visitor regulations. It's like déjà vu, but with a twist of 2022.
New York City, always at the forefront of fashion trends, has jumped on the mask mandate bandwagon for its 11 public hospitals. Los Angeles and Massachusetts, not ones to be left out, have followed suit with similar measures in their own healthcare institutions. Some hospitals had the foresight to reinstate masking rules for employees well in advance, knowing all too well that the seasonal onslaught of sick individuals was on its way.
Flu and COVID-19 cases have been on the rise for weeks now, with 31 states reporting high levels of flu-like illness just before we bid adieu to 2021. It's a sly reminder that while we were busy opening presents and sipping on eggnog, these pesky viruses were quietly preparing their comeback tour. But fear not, dear readers, for health officials assure us that this season's flu strain is not as deadly as some of its predecessors, and our trusty flu vaccines are well-matched to combat it.
Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns us of the current acceleration of flu cases as we settle into the first week of January. Picture the flu version of a race car revving its engine, ready to zoom past unsuspecting souls. But don't fret just yet, my friends, as experts predict that flu and COVID-19 cases may peak by the end of the month and then subside. The storm is coming, but there's a silver lining on the horizon.
Dr. William Schaffner, infectious diseases expert from Vanderbilt University, has slapped this season with the label of 'moderately severe.' It's not the end of the world, folks. Let's take a collective sigh of relief. The CDC, always armed and ready with helpful information, is directing us to their county lookup website, where we can make informed decisions about mask-wearing and other preventive measures. Vaccination is also strongly encouraged, as the numbers thus far have been disappointingly low.
Speaking of vaccinations, COVID-19 seems to be causing more severe disease than the flu, although its rise has been less dramatic. Health officials are keeping their keen eyes on the new kid on the block, the JN.1 variant of the ever-evolving coronavirus. Despite its potentially sneaky tricks, there is no evidence to suggest it causes more severe illness than its relatives. So, keep calm and carry on with your vaccination and antiviral medication plans, my intrepid readers.
But wait, there's more! The CDC has kindly informed us that our vaccination rates against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another seasonal bug, have been quite disappointing. RSV may sound like a harmless acronym, but it can cause some serious trouble for infants and older individuals. Luckily, RSV cases appear to have plateaued or even decreased in certain areas. So, take a deep breath, my friends, and let's hope for the best.
Meanwhile, at Hillsdale Hospital in southern Michigan, they have placed a temporary limitation on visitors in their birthing center due to a whopping 65% increase in respiratory illness activity. New parents, don't fret. Only a spouse, a support person, and the ever-trusted grandparents are allowed to visit, provided they wear a mask and show no signs of sickness. It seems like a reasonable precaution, given that babies and children nowadays are multitasking with multiple illnesses. It's like they're throwing a party and inviting all the popular viruses to join the fun.
So, there you have it, folks. The post-holiday season is serving us a delightful cocktail of flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses. But fear not, for we are armed with vaccines, masks, and a wealth of information to navigate these treacherous waters. Let's rally together, take care of ourselves and our loved ones, and emerge victorious from this battle of the bugs.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep that creative spirit shining, my fantastic readers!
This blog was brought to you by the captivating minds at the Associated Press Health and Science Department, with support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Remember, the AP is solely responsible for all content.
