Category: Flu Vaccine

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests indicating a positive result are photographed in New York, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)

WASHINGTON (TND)

COVID infections and hospitalizations are rising as the U.S. goes through its first seasonal uptick after the end of the public health emergency, which as coming along with a rise in flu and RSV cases and creating a triple-threat of respiratory illnesses.

The U.S. has seen surges of respiratory illnesses, including COVID, during the fall and winter months as cooler weather pushes people inside and gatherings for the holidays begin since the onset of the pandemic. Some years, like with the Omicron variant in 2022, saw significant spikes in severe illness and death.

But this year appears to be much less severe in terms of hospitalizations and deaths. A new COVID variant, JN.1, has become the dominant strain spreading across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. JN.1 is highly transmissible, but health experts say that it does not appear to be driving a spike in severe illness or hospitalizations.

The new COVID variant JN.1 is highly transmissible, so it's causing a lot of mild illness that doesn't require hospitalizations, but some hospitalizations will occur among older people. Fortunately, the updated vaccine continues to protect against severe serious, serious disease caused by JN.1, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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Even though the uptick in flu and COVID cases is not expected to be severe, it will still result in thousands of illnesses and deaths in the U.S.

For the week ending Dec. 23, hospitalizations rose by nearly 17% from the previous week. There were about 29,000 new hospital admissions, an improvement from 39,000 the same time in 2022 and 61,000 in 2021, according to CDC data. Deaths also increased by 10% from the week prior.

The COVID bump comes along with more flu infections, which the CDC estimates to total around 7.1 million illnesses, 73,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths so far this season.

Health officials saw lower vaccine uptake with every round of the coronavirus vaccine that was released as people grew tired of rolling up their sleeves and vaccine skepticism ramped up over the course of the last few years. Getting a COVID vaccine has also become more burdensome for patients after the expiration of the public health emergency without federal funds boosting the availability of it.

There's a fair amount of vaccine fatigue out there and people want to put COVID behind them and unfortunately, that means we have underutilized the JN.1 updated vaccine, as well as the influenza vaccine. You're not reaching the same population that we did before COVID, Schaffner said. I hope over time, we can turn this around, educating people and making them comfortable and understanding that this is a good thing for them, their families and their communities.

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The uptick in COVID and flu cases has prompted hospitals in some parts of the country to reinstate mask mandates to minimize the spread of the illnesses. Some hospitals in places like New York City, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. renewed mask requirements following an uptick in infections and hospitalizations.

It remains unlikely for widespread masking rules to make a return as the U.S. has largely moved on from the pandemic, with voluntary masking increasingly rarer to see and COVID fatigue hampering efforts to get shots in arms with the new COVID booster and this years flu shot.

Despite the challenges and new variants, existing treatments for COVID and the flu are still effective.

Public health experts are encouraging people to reach out to their doctors for treatment if they become sick. That is especially important for those who fall into high-risk groups of developing severe illness or complications.

In terms of treatment, we have treatments available both for flu and for COVID. And we're just having to remind people, particularly those in high-risk groups, that if they develop symptoms to contact their health care providers because we can help them get better sooner, Schaffner said.

Americans can also still receive free COVID tests from the U.S. government delivered by the United States Postal Service at no charge after the government reopened the tests portal in anticipation of a busy fall and winter season for infection. Households can order another round of four at-home tests and anyone who did not accept the offer in September can get up to eight through COVIDtests.gov.

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US struggles with increased COVID, flu, RSV amid falling vaccine use - KATU

FILE - A flu vaccine. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Dr. Magda Gabriel, an immediate care physician at Northwestern Medicine, joins Lisa Dent to explain whyflu and COVID-19 infections are on the rise, and what you should do to if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Better knowledge means better health for you and your family. Turn toNorthwesternMedicine at nm.org/healthbeatnews for health tips, research and more.

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Dealing with the post-holiday flu - WGN Radio - Chicago

A surge in illness has become the norm after holiday seasons conclude, and experts say itll be no different this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven states reported very high respiratory illness activity just before Christmas. While New York was not among them, the activity level was considered high.

The holidays can disrupt regular reporting of COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity. That will resume Friday. But state health leaders said Tuesday they believe the numbers leading up to the holiday were a good indicator of whats to come.

We would expect there to be perhaps a little dip, but then things will likely go back up again, said Bryon Backenson of the state Health Department's Bureau of Communicable Disease Control.

Health experts say with so many children off from school where transmission of illness is high an uptick is almost a guarantee.

You can potentially then have spread within the family group itself, Backenson said.

According to the CDC, emergency room visits related to COVID-19, the flu and RSV were up about 6% across New York state the week before Christmas.

Numbers like that, numbers that we see from CDC, the number hospitalizations remind us that COVID is still a very severe illness for some people, Backenson said.

The CDC reports there were about 30,000 new hospitalizations last week related to COVID-19, the most since a year ago, and more than 14,000 Americans were hospitalized for the flu.

Fortunately, this year the three illnesses appear to be peaking at different times, which wasnt the case last year.

We have RSV that is probably close to peaking at this particular point. Flu and COVID at this point are both going up in parallel, so we may get to a point where we have a substantial amount of cases of both of those, Backenson said.

Overall, vaccination rates are down across the country. As of November, the CDC reported there were more than 7 million fewer influenza vaccine doses administered to adults than the year before.

The flu vaccine this year is a quite good match to what it is were seeing circulating with regards to it. And its never too late to get vaccinated, Backenson said.

There are, of course, the classic ways to mitigate the risks of catching illnesses wash your hands, cough into your arm and if youre sick, stay home from school or work.

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How the holidays could affect COVID, flu, RSV in N.Y. - Spectrum News

Alabama is 1 of 7 states with highest flu numbers in the nation, according to CDC

by Karris Harmon

Alabama among seven states leading the nation in flu-like illness rates (CDC)

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI)

Flu cases are up in Alabama.

"We have continued to see week over week increases for this season," says Dr. Wes Stubblefield with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

According to the CDC, states in the southeast region of the country are leading the nation in flu cases, including Alabama. Locally, Dr. Marsha Raulerson says she's seen a high volume of people coming into her practice with the flu. She says shes seen mostly Flu A.

"There's different strains of the flu, says Dr. Raulerson. So, if you develop some antibodies against Flu A, you don't against Flu B. So if you get Flu A, you still need to get a flu shot, because that will protect you against Flu B."

Dr. Stubblefield says historically, the flu peaks around January 1st.

"This is just expected for this time of year, it's something that circulates around this time in Alabama, says Dr. Stubblefield. "The last few seasons were a little off because of covid 19 and masking, but we're getting back more in traditional pattern at this point."

The CDC says the number of flu vaccines are down, with an 11% drop at pharmacies and a 17.9% drop at doctors offices.

"Some people may get less severe flu if they get it or not get it at all if they have the vaccine so, definitely can lead to higher case numbers with lower vaccinations rates," says Dr. Stubblefield.

Dr. Raulerson says the spike after the holiday season doesn't come as a surprise after many people were in close contact with one another.

"We are more out in crowds and going out," says Dr. Raulerson.

Dr. Stubblefield says don't underestimate the flu.

"It's still a very serious virus, says Dr. Stubblefield. Although for most healthy people it causes a miserable illness, but for certain individuals it can cause a very deadly illness."

He says the people with the highest risk for deadly influenza are the elderly and very young people, people who are pregnant, and people who have underlying health issues.

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Alabama is 1 of 7 states with highest flu numbers in the nation, according to CDC - NBC 15 WPMI

Respiratory virus activity is surging across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40,000 patients were admitted with some type of respiratory virus during the week before Christmas.Thats a combination of patients with COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (also known as RSV). CDC data shows its COVID-19 is leading the way, but flu activity is also rapidly rising. Thats why health experts are urging people that vaccination and donning face masks in crowded settings can help slow the spread of these diseases. Here are some things you should know in order to help protect yourself, but also be aware financially of where to spend your money. N95 masks offer the highest level of protectionThe CDC says well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95 masks offer great protection, but the highest level of protection comes from well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95 masks). Surgical and KN95 masks we found onlineKids KN95 mask (pack of 20) - $49LEMENT KN95 mask (pack of 50) - $20Hygenix disposable face masks - $12N95 masks we found online3M Aura N95 (pack of 20) - $15BNX N95 Mask (pack of 10) - $17Fangtian N95 mask (pack of 10) - $18Check if your mask order is FSA or HSA eligibleYour mask order could be eligible to be covered by your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). For example, this link to face masks we found on Amazon had a line under the add to cart option where it said FSA or HSA eligible. Another way you can see not only face masks, but other products that are FSA or HSA eligible is by visiting the FSA | HSA store on Amazon. You can click on this link to be redirected there.Check to see on the product description online to see if you see mention of a box of face masks being eligible for FSA or HSA, and if youre going to a store, check with your health insurance provider before purchasing if theyll reimburse you. The reason why you want to check is that face masks typically arent a returnable item. COVID-19 tests are still free You can get up to eight free at-home COVID-19 tests if you havent placed an order through COVIDTests.gov when the program reopened on Sept. 25, 2023. Click here to see if your household is still eligible to receive free at-home tests. Now if you have already taken advantage of that offer and youre buying COVID-19 test kits online, check to see if they are also FSA or HSA eligible, like face masks. We noticed on Amazon when doing a search for COVID-19 test kits that these kits were eligible. iHealth COVID-19 rapid test BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid testFlowflex COVID-19 home test kitIndicaid COVID-19 rapid test kitVaccines are available for all three respiratory virusesCNN reported that despite a historic first with vaccines available to protect against COVID-19, the flu and RSV, vaccine uptake remains low this season. Just 19% of adults and 8% of children have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine, and 17% of adults 60 and older have gotten the new RSV vaccine, CDC data shows. Less than half of adults and children have gotten the flu vaccine this season.We have, as a population, underutilized both influenza and the updated COVID-19 vaccines, unfortunately, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University told CNN. But its not too late to get vaccinated because these viruses are going to be around for a while yet.COVID-19 vaccines remain free to everyone six months and older, and most health insurance plans cover flu vaccination without a co-payment. The CDC says private health insurance plans are required to cover RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older. Most children can get the vaccines free through family insurance plans or the Vaccines for Children program.

Respiratory virus activity is surging across the United States. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40,000 patients were admitted with some type of respiratory virus during the week before Christmas.

Thats a combination of patients with COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (also known as RSV). CDC data shows its COVID-19 is leading the way, but flu activity is also rapidly rising. Thats why health experts are urging people that vaccination and donning face masks in crowded settings can help slow the spread of these diseases.

Here are some things you should know in order to help protect yourself, but also be aware financially of where to spend your money.

N95 masks offer the highest level of protection

The CDC says well-fitting disposable surgical masks and KN95 masks offer great protection, but the highest level of protection comes from well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including N95 masks).

Surgical and KN95 masks we found online

N95 masks we found online

Check if your mask order is FSA or HSA eligible

Your mask order could be eligible to be covered by your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).

For example, this link to face masks we found on Amazon had a line under the add to cart option where it said FSA or HSA eligible. Another way you can see not only face masks, but other products that are FSA or HSA eligible is by visiting the FSA | HSA store on Amazon.

You can click on this link to be redirected there.

Check to see on the product description online to see if you see mention of a box of face masks being eligible for FSA or HSA, and if youre going to a store, check with your health insurance provider before purchasing if theyll reimburse you. The reason why you want to check is that face masks typically arent a returnable item.

COVID-19 tests are still free

You can get up to eight free at-home COVID-19 tests if you havent placed an order through COVIDTests.gov when the program reopened on Sept. 25, 2023.

Click here to see if your household is still eligible to receive free at-home tests.

Now if you have already taken advantage of that offer and youre buying COVID-19 test kits online, check to see if they are also FSA or HSA eligible, like face masks.

We noticed on Amazon when doing a search for COVID-19 test kits that these kits were eligible.

Vaccines are available for all three respiratory viruses

CNN reported that despite a historic first with vaccines available to protect against COVID-19, the flu and RSV, vaccine uptake remains low this season.

Just 19% of adults and 8% of children have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine, and 17% of adults 60 and older have gotten the new RSV vaccine, CDC data shows. Less than half of adults and children have gotten the flu vaccine this season.

We have, as a population, underutilized both influenza and the updated COVID-19 vaccines, unfortunately, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University told CNN. But its not too late to get vaccinated because these viruses are going to be around for a while yet.

COVID-19 vaccines remain free to everyone six months and older, and most health insurance plans cover flu vaccination without a co-payment. The CDC says private health insurance plans are required to cover RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older. Most children can get the vaccines free through family insurance plans or the Vaccines for Children program.

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COVID-19, flu, RSV on the rise. Resources you should know about - MOR-TV.com

Q: I've been hearing conflicting information about getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine simultaneously. Is it safe to receive both vaccines together, and what considerations should I keep in mind?

A: Your question is timely and important as we navigate the complexities of the flu season and the ongoing pandemic. The short answer is yes, it is generally safe and even recommended to get the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

Both vaccines work in different ways and have distinct components. Extensive research and real-world data indicate there are no significant interactions between the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. You can confidently receive both vaccines during the same visit.

Getting both vaccines concurrently offers efficient protection against influenza and COVID-19. This is especially crucial as the symptoms of these illnesses can overlap, and co-infection is a concern. By receiving both vaccines, you enhance your body's ability to fight off these respiratory viruses.

Combining vaccines not only maximizes protection but also streamlines the immunization process. It's a practical approach to ensure you are safeguarded against multiple diseases in a timely manner.

Before you roll up your sleeves, there are a few things to consider. Always consult with your health care provider before making decisions about vaccinations. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and any specific considerations. Like any vaccines, the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine can have side effects. These are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, mild fever or fatigue.

Getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine together is a safe and effective strategy for protecting yourself and those around you. Remember, the goal is to keep you healthy and resilient in the face of these respiratory threats.

Dr. Jay Sizemore is an infectious disease specialist with The ID Group and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.

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Chattanooga doctor says flu and COVID vaccines are safe to get together - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Virginia Department of Health reports first child flu death of 2023-24 season

by Ezra Hercyk

FILE - A flu vaccine is readied at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans' Community Resource Center in Lynwood, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

(WSET)

On Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the states first reported influenza-associated pediatric death for the 2023-24 flu season. A child in VDH's Eastern region died from complications associated with the flu. To protect the familys privacy, VDH did not provide any further information about the child's death.

"We at the Virginia Department of Health, are broken hearted and extend our sympathies to the family of this child during this difficult time," said State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton. "Even though the flu is common, it can cause serious illness and even death. I urge everyone who is eligible to receive the flu vaccine to do so not only to protect themselves, but to protect those around them."

VDH recommends taking these three actions to prevent the flu:

In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to increase further with colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for 6.9% of total visits, according to VDH. This increase was seen particularly among young children and school-aged children, consisting of 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively.

The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is important to note that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.

In Virginia, influenza activity is on the rise and is expected to escalate further with the onset of colder weather. For the week concluding on December 23, visits to emergency departments and urgent care facilities due to flu-like symptoms have surged, accounting for a significant 6.9% of total visits. Notably, this increase is particularly pronounced among young children and school-aged children, constituting 14.7% and 13.2% of visits, respectively. The anticipated severity of the 2023-24 flu season in Virginia falls within the typical range; however, it is crucial to recognize that even typical seasons can vary widely, leading to illness, hospitalizations, and, unfortunately, deaths. During the preceding 2022-23 flu season, Virginia reported five influenza-associated deaths among children.

In Virginia, vaccination coverage for the flu remains low for both children and adults, with only 27% of eligible Virginians reporting receipt of a flu vaccine this season. Vaccines are available and can help protect people from the most serious health effects of flu viruses. A recent study estimated that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-related emergency department and urgent care visits by almost half and hospitalization by more than a third among U.S. adults during the 2022-23 season. With flu activity increasing in Virginia, VDH recommends getting a flu vaccine if you have not already.

To locate a seasonal flu vaccine near you, click HERE, or contact your local health department. For further information, call (804) 864-8141.

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Virginia Department of Health reports first child flu death of 2023-24 season - WSET

If you havent gotten a flu vaccine, now is a good time, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff in a prepared statement. We are in the heart of flu season, and a vaccine may help prevent you or your loved ones from contracting a serious case of the disease.

A 9-year-old girl from Clermont County has died after contracting the flu, the state health department said on Friday.

Ohio had six flu-related pediatric deaths in the 2022-2023 flu season, after unusually low death counts in the prior two seasons, during the height of the COVID pandemic.

The state reported four to five pediatric flu-related deaths in each of the previous three flu seasons.

Flu activity across the state has been increasing since early December, and the state health department has designated the activity level as high.

Montgomery County has reported 70 flu-related hospitalizations this season, while Butler County reported 28; Miami County, 12; Warren County, 10; Greene County, eight; Clark County, six; and Champaign County, zero.

The flu season began on Oct. 1.

The state says flu-related hospitalizations so far are below the five-year average for this time in the season.

Health officials say that in addition to getting vaccines other effective ways to avoid catching and spreading include frequent hand washing or regular use of hand sanitizer.

Ohioans also are encouraged to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze, avoid touching their eyes nose and mouth and residents should stay home when they are sick.

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Ohio child dies from the flu. Officials say flu activity is 'high' - Dayton Daily News

COVID-19, influenza andRSVcases are on the rise.

"As we enter the winter months, people are spending more time indoors and we tend to see an increase in respiratory infections," said Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, director of the department of epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention at the World Health Organization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, JN.1, the latest COVID variant, makes upmore than 44%of all new COVID-19 cases in the country. It's the most contagious of all the variants, however, it comes with milder symptoms.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can become severe in children and older adults.

"In the elderly population, one third of them are actually testing positive for RSV when they're in the hospital" said Dr. Dyan Hes.

Health experts says the best way to prevent these illnesses and reduce the chance of severe disease is to get vaccinated.

"I highly recommend getting the COVID vaccine. Most people are not up to date with their new bivalent booster. And the same thing for RSV. Now, elderly over the age of 60 can get a vaccine for RSV. Most people don't even know that that's available," Hes said.

CDC data shows 43.7% of the U.S. population have received the flu vaccine, 17% of adults 60 and older have received an RSV vaccine and only 18.5% of adults in the U.S. have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

SEE MORE: Scripps News Special Report: The Medical Breakthroughs of 2023

Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

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US experiencing increase in COVID, flu and RSV - ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV

This article has been reviewed according to ScienceX's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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by Deb Balzer, Mayo Clinic News Network

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]A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that when mothers receive the flu vaccine, their babies experience fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits for the flu, particularly if the baby is under three months old or born to a mother who received the vaccine in the third trimester.

Pregnant women are among those at higher risk of complications of severe illness from flu infection. Dr. Thomas Howell Jr., an OB-GYN at Mayo Clinic Health System, says it's not only important that those who are pregnant get a flu shot but also the people around them.

"Pregnant women are a group that should especially get a flu shot," says Dr. Howell. "We know that if you're pregnant, your risk of getting sicker from influenza, COVID or any pulmonary respiratory disease, for various physiologic reasons, is much higher."

Their health depends on the health of others during this flu season.

"We want pregnant women to protect themselves as much as they can. But one of the ways we do that is by protecting the community," says Dr. Howell.

He says flu vaccines are safeincluding for the developing baby and mother.

"It's not a virus that the baby can get infected by. It doesn't give you the flu or make you sick (even though) everybody says, "Well, I still got the shot, and I still got the flu." The point of those immunizations is to keep you from getting sicker, especially gravely ill. And we know that if you're pregnant, your risk is much higher," says Dr. Howell.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year to help protect themselves and others against the spread of the virus. It's not too late to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.

Tips to reduce your risks of respiratory infections:

Most people who become sick with the flu can recover independently at home. For those who are pregnant and others who may be at higher risk of complications from respiratory viruses, reach out to your health care team right away. There are antiviral medications and treatment options that may help you.

2023 Mayo Clinic News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Pregnancy, flu and importance of vaccination - Medical Xpress