The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health updated the three viruses circulating right now, warning of a possible triple-demic this winter.First, the good news, if you want to call it that: COVID-19 cases have stabilized or just slightly increased, depending on the area of the country. The bad news: Respiratory syncytial virus, which primarily infects the very old and the very young, has stabilized, but at a very high infection level, and the flu is rampant across the U.S.”With most states having case numbers far above anything we’ve seen since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, these cases have emerged much earlier than normal. Again, we have not seen this number of cases this early in the U.S. since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. At this time, pediatric case numbers appear to be increasing faster than adult cases,” said Dr. Andrew Pekosz, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Why is this happening? Hopkins experts theorize there is limited population immunity for both flu and RSV because of COVID-19 protocols over the last few years. Bodies — particularly those of young people — haven’t come in contact with these viruses, and therefore, aren’t good at fighting them. So, what can you do? Hopkins doctors suggest going back to masking and handwashing — not just if you’re traveling this holiday season or gathering with large groups of people, but for everyday events.”If you’re at the grocery store or other indoor public spaces, consider masking and giving that 6 feet of space. If your child’s classroom has numerous kids absent for illness, consider having your child wear a mask until the wave slows in that classroom, if they are able to wear the mask appropriately for the day,” said Dr. Keri Althoff, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The experts also encourage everyone to get boosted against COVID-19 and get the flu vaccine immediately. Their biggest concern is hospitals being overwhelmed this winter — so the indicator they’re keeping a very close eye on is the number of hospitalizations from any of the three viruses.Playlist video below: What is RSV? 11 News explains
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health updated the three viruses circulating right now, warning of a possible triple-demic this winter.
First, the good news, if you want to call it that: COVID-19 cases have stabilized or just slightly increased, depending on the area of the country.
The bad news: Respiratory syncytial virus, which primarily infects the very old and the very young, has stabilized, but at a very high infection level, and the flu is rampant across the U.S.
“With most states having case numbers far above anything we’ve seen since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, these cases have emerged much earlier than normal. Again, we have not seen this number of cases this early in the U.S. since the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. At this time, pediatric case numbers appear to be increasing faster than adult cases,” said Dr. Andrew Pekosz, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Why is this happening? Hopkins experts theorize there is limited population immunity for both flu and RSV because of COVID-19 protocols over the last few years. Bodies — particularly those of young people — haven’t come in contact with these viruses, and therefore, aren’t good at fighting them.
So, what can you do? Hopkins doctors suggest going back to masking and handwashing — not just if you’re traveling this holiday season or gathering with large groups of people, but for everyday events.
“If you’re at the grocery store or other indoor public spaces, consider masking and giving that 6 feet of space. If your child’s classroom has numerous kids absent for illness, consider having your child wear a mask until the wave slows in that classroom, if they are able to wear the mask appropriately for the day,” said Dr. Keri Althoff, of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The experts also encourage everyone to get boosted against COVID-19 and get the flu vaccine immediately. Their biggest concern is hospitals being overwhelmed this winter — so the indicator they’re keeping a very close eye on is the number of hospitalizations from any of the three viruses.
Playlist video below: What is RSV? 11 News explains
