Rise of Big Three Respiratory Viruses in California: Fewer Hospitalizations Compared to Last Year
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Title: Rising COVID and Influenza Hospitalizations Prompt California’s New Respiratory Virus Dashboard
In the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday, hospitalizations for COVID-19 and influenza are on the rise across the nation, albeit at a lower rate compared to last year. A recent development in California has been the replacement of its COVID-19 dashboard with a new respiratory virus dashboard that now tracks COVID-19 and influenza hospital admissions, deaths, and test positivity rates side-by-side.
According to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong from UC San Francisco, COVID-19 remains the primary cause of new hospitalizations and deaths nationwide. At UCSF alone, the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has doubled, with approximately 20 patients currently being treated compared to roughly 10 in November.
Adding to the concern, emergency room visits for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have also been increasing, accounting for nearly 1.5% of all ER visits in the week ending November 25. RSV activity last year peaked during this time, whereas this year it has taken longer to reach that point.
Tragically, since October, 22 California residents have succumbed to influenza, and 11 have lost their lives to RSV. A silver lining can be found in the fact that influenza hospital admissions are significantly lower this year compared to the previous year, although COVID-19 admissions remain comparable.
One alarming factor contributing to the rise in hospitalizations is the low uptake of vaccines. Experts fear that a lack of sufficient vaccination coverage against COVID-19 may continue to drive hospitalizations. To combat this, the Association of Bay Area Health Officials is urging individuals to take extra precautions during the holiday season. These measures include getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and improving indoor ventilation.
In a positive development, the FDA approved the first-ever RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older, as well as pregnant women, back in May. This milestone offers hope in mitigating the impact and spread of RSV.
As the holiday season continues, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and the well-being of those around them. By adhering to recommended guidelines and increasing vaccination rates, everyone can contribute to mitigating the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, ultimately protecting communities and saving lives.
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