COVID-19, RSV, and Flu could overwhelm healthcare: CDC.

Combination of COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza Could Overwhelm Hospitals, CDC Warns

The Centers for ‍Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ‍issued a warning that the simultaneous presence of ​COVID-19, RSV, and influenza this winter could place a ⁢significant burden on the U.S. healthcare system and potentially overwhelm hospitals.

The CDC’s “Respiratory⁢ Disease Season Outlook – Summary,” published on ⁣September 14, highlights the potential challenges ahead.

The CDC emphasizes that COVID-19⁢ has now become a part‍ of the respiratory virus season, joining the seasonal influenza virus (flu) ⁢and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The agency’s ⁣analysis shows⁤ that ‌even during an average respiratory season, the addition of a third virus capable of causing severe illness,‍ such as COVID-19, can strain the healthcare system.

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The fall and winter seasons are ⁢typically when respiratory viruses circulate more heavily, according to the CDC. Prior to COVID-19, ⁣flu and RSV were the primary causes of severe respiratory disease during ‍this time‍ of year.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes ‍mild⁤ illness, ⁢including symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, and‍ fever. However, it can lead to severe infections, particularly in older adults, infants, and individuals ⁤with weakened​ immune systems.

While most people infected with flu or RSV experience mild symptoms and recover quickly, certain groups, such as older adults and those ​with weakened immune systems, may develop severe complications ⁢requiring hospitalization.

Influenza primarily‌ affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, causing mild illness in most cases. However, individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of experiencing ​more serious complications.

Anticipated Rise ⁤in Hospitalizations

Flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two initially. However, most ⁢people infected with the flu can recover within a few⁣ days or​ weeks.

The CDC explains, “Although some people experience mild symptoms with flu or RSV, others become sick enough to require‌ hospitalization. The severity of a season depends on the circulating strains of viruses⁤ and our⁤ immunity⁢ to them. One measure of severity is the number of hospitalizations, which can strain the healthcare system.”

While ⁤flu⁣ activity in the ⁢United ​States is currently low, the CDC ⁣expects it to increase during the fall and winter seasons. Similarly, RSV activity is also low but likely to rise, according‍ to the agency.

In conclusion, the CDC predicts that this year’s respiratory virus season will resemble‍ the previous year, with COVID-19,​ RSV, and influenza collectively ⁢impacting ⁣the healthcare system and resulting in a similar number ‍of hospitalizations as​ last year.

The agency presents two ⁢possible scenarios for the upcoming cold and flu season. In one scenario, there may be moderate flu and RSV⁤ activity alongside moderate COVID-19 activity, with staggered peak timing. In the second scenario, there may ‍be more severe flu‍ and RSV activity, combined‌ with moderate COVID-19 activity ‍and overlapping peak timing.

Vaccines Available

The CDC highlights that, for ‌the first time ever, ⁤vaccines will be available this fall for all three respiratory viruses. The ⁢agency strongly encourages individuals to get vaccinated‌ to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu and its⁢ potential complications.

The CDC’s ​recent warning⁣ follows an earlier alert to physicians and caregivers about the rise in RSV cases among infants and babies in certain parts of the Southeastern‍ United States. The agency recommended considering the ​administration of monoclonal antibody⁤ products ⁤and a⁣ preventative antibody treatment called nirsevimab.

Nirsevimab, sold under the brand name Beyfortus and manufactured by AstraZeneca, has shown safety and consistent effectiveness against RSV throughout the entire RSV season in‍ late-stage clinical trials involving 3,600 participants.

While most infants tolerated the antibody well, a small group experienced a rash⁢ as a side effect, and another small group ​at risk of severe RSV developed a fever.

The FDA has also approved the first vaccine for pregnant women to prevent RSV infections in babies and ‍toddlers. According to the ⁢manufacturer, this ⁣vaccine reduces the ⁣risk of severe lower respiratory tract disease by 81.8 ⁤percent⁢ within 90 days after birth. However, a small percentage of pregnant⁢ women who received the vaccine‌ developed pre-eclampsia, a dangerous hypertensive disorder.

Earlier this ⁣week, the CDC recommended that nearly all Americans receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines.⁤ However, the agency has denied speculation about the return of ⁤COVID-19-related ‍mask mandates or lockdowns.

Mimi⁣ Nguyen Ly ⁣contributed to this report.

‍ What specific steps does ⁣the CDC advise⁤ healthcare facilities to take in order to be prepared for the concurrent circulation of these respiratory viruses?

Tion at a drive-thru clinic at the University of California, Irvine on Dec. 15, 2020. (Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews⁤ Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images)