Category: Flu Virus

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You’re not sick anymoreso why are you still coughing? – National Geographic

January 27, 2024

Have you kicked a cold, bout of flu, RSV, or COVID recentlybut cant get rid of the cough? Youre not alone. The symptom can stick around for weeks after our bodies have cleared a virus.

Michael Shiloh, a physician specializing in infectious disease research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says coughing patients often report that they were sick as many as eight weeks prior to seeing him. We can't really detect virus anymore in these individuals, and yet they're still coughing, he says.

The United States saw a surge in cases of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 in late 2023 thats dragged on into 2024. And though positive tests for these illnesses have leveled off or decreased countrywide over the past weeks, the number of people seeking healthcare for respiratory diseases is still elevated across much of the U.S.

Scientists still arent sure exactly why otherwise healthy people experience this kind of stubborn cough. But research on how infections meddle with nerves in the airway is revealing new clues.

Coughing is an important reflex that protects the airway from dangers like noxious fumes, water, or bits of mis-swallowed food, says pulmonologist and researcher Lorcan McGarvey of Queen's University Belfast.

The reflex is triggered by nerves that reach into the airway. These nerves are decorated with receptor proteins that react to everything from cold air to capsaicin, the chemical makes peppers spicy. When an irritant triggers those receptors, nerves send signals up the vagus nerve to the brain that we experience as the urge to cough.

From there, the brain sends commands back down to the airway to coughor not. This detour to the brain is why theres a degree of conscious control in certain types of coughs.

Scientists know about many different stimuli that can trigger cough, but they still don't agree on the specific biological mechanisms that trigger coughing while were sick, let alone in the weeks afterwards.

While it may seem obvious coughing is meant to clear our throats of mucus, it's also possible that viruses trigger the reflex to help themselves spread. Many infections involve dry coughs that don't produce phlegm at all. And if we do ultimately cough to clear out our airway during an infection, that still wouldn't explain what exactly our nerves sense during an infection that triggers a cough.

We don't know, says electrophysiologist Thomas Taylor-Clark of the University of South Florida. But what we can say is we do know some things, one being that viral infection causes inflammation.

When were sick, that inflammation jacks up the sensitivity of airway nerves, causing them to overreact, research suggests. One hypothesis is that stubborn post-infection coughs happen when nerves remain hypersensitive after the end of an illness.

Just taking a deep breath, talking on the telephone, laughing, going out into cold airthese are things that in themselves are not harmful or noxious. But at least temporarily, they [can] send us into these bouts of coughing even when were no longer sick, says McGarvey.

As early as 1990, researchers noticed that infection with a flu-like virus upped the sensitivity of airway nerves in guinea pigs, which cough like humans. Sick guinea pigs cough more when exposed to irritants like capsaicin than healthy ones, something thats also been seen in people.

Now, scientists are linking this hypersensitivity to specific inflammatory chemicals and receptors on airway nerves.

In 2016, scientists discovered that infection with a flu-like virus caused certain nerves in the airway to make extra copies of a receptor protein called TRPV1, which reacts to capsaicin and other stimuli. Other studies, many on either guinea pigs or lab-grown human cells, have likewise reported increased copies of TRPV1 and other receptors during respiratory virus infections.

One 2017 study showed that even when a virus was killed with UV light, it increased copies of TRPV1 and another receptor in lab-grown human cells.

Post-infectious cough usually resolves in two to three weeks. But if your cough persists for more than eight weeks, Shiloh and McGarvey say that you should talk to a doctor. If the cough occurs with other symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, bloody phlegm, or weight loss, they recommend getting evaluated sooner.

Lukasz Antoniewicz, a pulmonologist who treats patients at the Medical University of Viennas chronic cough unit in Austria, says a few weeks of coughing after an illness is normal. Still, while eight weeks might be the official cutoff for chronic cough, in practice it can be a long time to go without relief, he says.

I have young patients, around age 30, and they get broken ribs only due to coughing.They don't have an underlying bone disease. So it's a very, very strong reflex. And it hurts a lot, says Antoniewicz. When you cough for one month, I would say it's maybe it would be a good reason to seek out your doctor.

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You're not sick anymoreso why are you still coughing? - National Geographic

What to Know About the Rise in Respiratory Illnesses – Health Matters

January 27, 2024

Whatisa respiratory illness? A respiratory tract infection is a broad term for any type of illness that primarily affects the area of our body involved in breathing, which extends from our nasal passages to our lungs. Often in medicine, we make the distinction between infections of the upper respiratory tract, which is the area from the nasal passages and sinuses to your larynx (or voice box), and the lower respiratory tract, which is the tract below your larynx, including your lungs.

Young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions tend to be at highest risk of getting seriously ill from respiratory infections. Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are the big three that can cause both upper and lower respiratory disease and account for many hospitalizations.

What are symptoms for RSV, flu, and COVID? How can you tell the difference? The symptoms for these respiratory viruses can be very similar and can include fever, body aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, and fatigue, or decreased energy. Some symptoms, like sore throat and loss of taste or smell, are more common in COVID, but generally speaking, it can be difficult to distinguish between these viruses on the basis of symptoms alone. We diagnose by testing for these specific viruses.

When these infections become severe, they can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, faster breathing than normal, or long pauses in breathing. If you experience those symptoms or see them in a loved one, seek medical attention.

Why do we see an increase in respiratory infections during this time of year? There are a variety of theories about why we see more respiratory viruses in the winter, including the fact that people tend to spend more time indoors during the winter that closer contact allows viruses to spread more easily. Another thought is that the drier air in the wintertime can also make us more susceptible to viral infections. Last year, a study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology that described how exposure to the cold can impair some of our immune defenses in the nose which may lead to increased susceptibility to infections.

Whats made the season different for the past couple of years is COVID. Last year, we saw a rise in non-COVID respiratory infections compared to what we saw during the first year of the pandemic; this is thought to be in part because we were coming out of a period when people were wearing masks and isolating because of the pandemic particularly in young children who hadnt been exposed to these viruses before.

What is Mycoplasma pneumonia, or white lung syndrome? Unlike COVID, RSV, and flu, Mycoplasma pneumonia is not viral; its caused by a type of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This type of infection is not new on the scene in the past its also been called walking pneumonia, and we do tend to see it rise this time of year. Especially in a post-pandemic era, it makes sense that were weary or nervous when we hear about a spike in any type of respiratory infection. But its not a new organism or new phenomenon.

Pneumonia, in general, is essentially an infection of the lung, which can be caused by bacteria or a virus. The bodys response to these organisms can cause inflammation, which contributes to the symptoms that you experience, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

While there are reports of increased cases of Mycoplasma infection in certain geographic areas, its too early to say that its significantly more than prior years or that its more widespread than prior years. As far as treatment, there is an antibiotic called azithromycin that is very effective; but the thing about Mycoplasma is that we dont have a vaccine to prevent it.

What should people know about RSV treatment and the RSV vaccine? For most people, RSV infections are typically treated with supportive care. At home the focus should be on keeping the sick individual well hydrated and providing symptom relief, such as using fever reducers to help with fever or nasal saline spray and suctioning to help with congestion and nasal secretions.

We now have immunizations against RSV that provide protection for our most vulnerable populations. Theres a vaccine that provides protection for older adults (aged 60 years and older). To protect infants, there is the option to either vaccinate the pregnant person, who then passes on protective antibodies to the infant before birth or giving a monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) to infants after birth, which provides protection during the highest risk periods, when infants are very young and more vulnerable to developing severe illness that could result in a hospital stay.

How can RSV impact young children? RSV can be especially dangerous for young infants, especially those who were born prematurely or who have other underlying medical conditions like lung disease or congenital heart disease. Because their immune systems arent as mature as older childrens or adults, theyre not able to fight the virus as effectively. Thats where the monoclonal antibody helps; it provides an infant with protective antibodies to fight against RSV. Additionally, young infants have narrower airways which means that they may have more trouble dealing with secretions that can occur in inflamed airways during a viral infection.

As adults, weve had a lifetime of exposure, so our immune systems can better handle these viruses.

What are ways people can protect themselves and their families from respiratory illnesses? It may seem obvious, but the best ways to protect yourself are by practicing the hygiene basics that weve all gotten very familiar with over the past few years: Wash hands and use hand sanitizer frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue that you throw away immediately and wash hands afterwards, and keep frequently touched surfaces clean. Masking also helps mitigates the spreading of the disease. Another key is staying up-to-date on immunizations for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with others. Its important to remember that the rise in respiratory illnesses isnt a cause for panic. There are strategies we can use to prevent these infections from affecting ourselves or our loved ones.

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What to Know About the Rise in Respiratory Illnesses - Health Matters

Yale experts discuss this seasons tripledemic – Yale Daily News

January 27, 2024

Yale experts reflect on the state of this years flu season and how it has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jessica Kasamoto 1:51 am, Jan 26, 2024

Staff Reporter

Cate Roser

While COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses are still spreading on Yales campus, some experts believe that the country has seen the worst of the 2023-24 tripledemic.

Tripledemic refers to the three illnesses respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV; the flu; and COVID-19 that spike every winter and fall.

Scott Roberts, an infectious diseases specialist and associate medical director at the School of Medicine, said he believes multiple indicators show that levels of all three respiratory illnesses have already peaked in Connecticut.

Caseloads across the state, wastewater data and current hospitalizations are now showing slight decreases in all three viruses, Roberts wrote in an email to the News. I always take these [post-holiday break] weeks with a grain of salt because often there is decreased testing due to the holidays, but regardless, I am enthusiastic the downward trend will continue.

Roberts said he doesnt believe we will see a resurgence of COVID-19 this season since there is no new concerning variant on the horizon. However, he suspects that there could be a second wave of flu infections due to the influenza B viral variant, which frequently circulates later in the season.

According to Madeline Wilson, an assistant professor at the School of Medicine and the chief campus health officer at Yale, there is currently an increase in respiratory virus activity among students on campus due to classes resuming and students returning to campus after the holiday break. Still, given the national and local outlook, she does not expect this trend to last for long.

We fully expect cases on campus to wane over the next several weeks, Wilson wrote in an email to the News.

According to Roberts, the 2023-24 flu season looks very similar to last years, although cases this year seem to be peaking later, around New Years instead of early December.

Further, this years and last years flu seasons remain much worse than the 2020-21 and 2021-22 flu seasons, likely due to the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions since then.

[W]e saw this last year especially, Roberts said. Since no one encountered flu for a prolonged period, there was likely waning immunity that resulted in a more severe flu season than usual since so many people were newly seeing flu again and had lost some of their baseline immunity.

Roberts noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the severity of the past two flu seasons, it may have also brought about some positive changes to flu season. The pre-COVID-19 pandemic 2019-20 flu season was comparable to the 2022-23 flu season due to very high levels of influenza B variant in 2019. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Yamagata strain of influenza B has become extinct, which Roberts said is remarkable. Today, this strain is no longer included in flu vaccinations.

According to Thomas Murray, a pediatric infectious diseases physician and associate medical director at the School of Medicine, flu season has returned to pre-pandemic patterns, even with the introduction of COVID-19. Nevertheless, he notes that it is important to test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms.

It is very difficult to tell the difference clinically between these different viruses, Murray wrote in an email to the News. To help contain spread if you have signs and symptoms of respiratory disease I would recommend a COVID-19 test and possibly an influenza test, as both can spread easily in populations that spend a lot of time together in congregate indoor settings.

Roberts also recommended that students implement the tried and true strategies for preventing illness and its spread to others, such as hand washing, good ventilation, masking in high-risk settings, staying home when they are sick and keeping up with vaccinations. He encouraged students to remain up to date on CDC guidelines for vaccination since there have been several changes this year, including a new RSV vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Flu and COVID-19 shots can be scheduled online for free for all Yale Health members, Yale University employees and Yale University students.

Jessica Kasamoto covers the Yale School of Public Health for the SciTech desk. She is a graduate student in computational biology and bioinformatics.

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Yale experts discuss this seasons tripledemic - Yale Daily News

West Nile virus connected with agriculture and migratory-bird routes – The Jerusalem Post

January 27, 2024

As Israel is a crossroads for many millions of migratory birds flying from continents to the south and the north and back, it is along with other countries of the Middle East and West Asia much of Africa, parts of Europe and Australia, Canada, Venezuela, and the US at risk for the West Nile virus (WNV) infection.

Outbreak areas with the largest outbreaks have occurred in Greece, Israel, Russia, Romania, and the US due to migratory bird routes.

West Nile fever is caused by a virus primarily present in birds and transferred to humans through mosquito bites. Those infected typically experience flu-like symptoms including headaches, fever, weakness, joint and muscle aches, conjunctivitis, rashes, and sometimes even nausea and diarrhea.

It's usually a very mild influenza-like disease that resolves by itself. The incubation period between the mosquito bite from an infected bird or fowl and the development of symptoms is five to 21 days, and the fever usually lasts for three to six days.

The Health Ministry in Jerusalem reported that last year, around a dozen Israelis had been infected here with WNV, and two of them died. A small share of patients may progress to brain infection, which can result in paralysis, brain damage, and death.

The virus is most active in Israel from the middle of August till the middle of October. As there is no vaccine against it, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is therefore very important to reduce the risk of infection.

Preventive measures are important at dusk and dawn (sunset to sunrise) during mosquito activity. To reduce the mosquito risk, wear long clothes, install fly screens on windows; and use fans to keep the mosquitoes out. Chemicals such as mosquito repellents can be applied on the skin, and there are electric devices that attract and trap mosquitoes; some release a mosquito repellent spray into the air.

A new international study led by scientists from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that the spread of WNV is strongly linked to agricultural activities, urbanization, and bird migration. It has just been published in the PLOS journal under the title West Nile virus spread in Europe: phylogeographic pattern analysis and key drivers.

Prof. Lu Lu and collaborators belonging to a large European collaborative consortium gathered data over the past two decades from virus genomes, epidemiology studies, and environmental surveys to generate a series of models that could simulate WNV patterns across European geography.

The authors found that one specific sub-lineage of the virus only found in Europe, WNV-2a, accounts for almost 75% of all European instances of the virus currently known and has spread to at least 14 countries.

The speed and direction of WNV-2as spread were strongly correlated to agricultural activity, possibly because agricultural land use can degrade natural habitat for birds and force new migration patterns, potentially allowing the spread of WNV to new areas, while simultaneously creating new aquatic habitat for mosquito breeding.

The direction of WNV-2as spread was also associated with urbanization, high coverage of wetlands, and migratory bird movements. The mosquito species and virus vectors are known to prefer urban environments due to the high availability of artificial aquatic habitats, fewer natural predators, and warmer ambient temperatures.

The authors note some significant gaps in available data from across Europe. The study points at a clear priority for enhanced surveillance in Central Europe, which may be a source for dissemination of West Nile virus across Europe. They also recommend stronger monitoring for West Nile virus in areas at high risk due to agriculture and/or bird habitat.

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West Nile virus connected with agriculture and migratory-bird routes - The Jerusalem Post

Cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are on the rise in Maine – NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

January 27, 2024

PORTLAND, Maine As the winter season progresses, many individuals find themselves grappling with colds and persistent coughs.

However, this year, hospitals in Maine are reporting an increase in cases of COVID-19, influenza (Flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with the peak still to come.

Maine Medical Center noted a higher number of COVID cases in both inpatient and outpatient settings, reporting an influx of 25 to 50 COVID patients a day.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital reported more influenza cases than anything else and only 12 to 15 COVID cases a day.

Dr. James Jarvis, medical director at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, emphasized that COVID was causing the most severe illnesses.

"Right now, hospitalizations are much higher than they have been since December for all three categories," Jarvis said of COVID, RSV, and influenza.

Maine CDCDirector Puthiery Va said monitoring wastewater can provide additional insights into COVID activity, especially when people may not be testing at home or testing at all.

"We can pick up on COVID activity in the wastewater. The US CDC does follow this as well. If we see more people going to the emergency room, it's safe to assume there is high COVID activity," Va said.

While Maine hospitals are currently not mandating masks, the Maine CDC encourages people to wear masks in public places, particularly in facilities like nursing homes where the most vulnerable population resides.

For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.

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Cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are on the rise in Maine - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

B.C. authorities report 4th flu-related death of child under 10 – CBC.ca

January 27, 2024

British Columbia

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Posted: January 26, 2024 Last Updated: January 26, 2024

TheB.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is reporting another influenza-related death of a child under 10.

In its latest weekly update, the centre says the death was reported during the week of Jan. 14 to 20.

The centre says there have now been four flu-related deaths in children under 10 during the current respiratory illness season.

It says flu-related deaths refer to those where influenza was a contributing factor but not necessarily the primary cause of death.

As of Jan. 13, influenza A has been the most frequently reported type of influenza since the start of this respiratory season, the BCCDC says.

WATCH | Not too late to get the flu shot,saystop doctor, as influenzapeaks in B.C.:

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"In Canada, influenza activity decreased since late December but remains at elevated levels," reads a BCCDC report.

Provincial health authorities have urged residents to get their flu and COVID-19 shotsas a range of viral and bacterial infections circulateinthe winter months, includingrespiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The BCCDC report states that RSV levels in wastewater are elevated as of last week, with some signs of stabilization.

The centre also says there are currently 168 people in hospital with COVID-19, with 16 of themin critical care.

"COVID-19 hospital and critical care admissions have fluctuated over the past several weeks, and deaths are relatively stable," reads the BCCDC report.

"SARS-CoV-2 wastewater levels are relatively stable at most sites."

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry had previously said that the other three children in B.C. who dieddue to complications linked to influenzaall had secondary bacterial infections and were not vaccinated against the flu.

B.C. health authorities have warned that group A strep was identified in four children who have died since mid-December, and the province is seeing unusually high levels of the disease this winter.

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B.C. authorities report 4th flu-related death of child under 10 - CBC.ca

Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season – 4029tv

January 27, 2024

40/29'S ABNER SOSA HAS MORE ON HOW YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM. ABNER OFFICIALS AT NORTHWEST HEALTH TELL ME THEY'VE SEEN A RISE IN CASES AS WE'RE NOW IN THE PEAK SEASON FOR FLU, COVID, AND RSV. PKG THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RELEASED THEIR LATEST WEEKLY REPORT ON RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES. <> This weekly update is important because it lets us know how we're doing as far as a state populus with regards to covid infections, influenza infections, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV." WITH ALL THESE ILLNESSES BEING RESPIRATORY - IT'S DIFFICULT TO TELL WHICH ONE IS WHICH. <> "it's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually you were fine the day before and you wake up and you you know, you feel much worse." <> "COVID typically presents with cough congestion, runny nose, maybe a low grade fever. It definitely presents with some more new onset of fatigue. So it's a little bit different from the flu in that the flu present with a very high fever." <> "RSV, respiratory syncytial virus. This virus is a virus of the respiratory track it presents with a lot of mucus production." // "Anyone can get the virus RSV. For most people, it's just going to feel like a common cold. It's that that more vulnerable population of babies and the elderly that can have issues with clearing their airway." RIGHT NOW -THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS THAT 24 PEOPLE IN ARKANSAS HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THE FLU THIS SEASON. 36 PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM COVID-19 THIS YEAR ALONE. THOUGH WE'RE ALREADY IN PEAK SEASON - THOMPSON- DAVIS SAYS IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET VACCINATED. <> "the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses. Flu, COVID or those that might succumb to RSV. So the fact that we've had 24 deaths, it's it's concerning because we could have less if we get more people vaccinated." ABNER COMING UP AT SIX -- FIND OUT WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMIL

Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season

As Flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases increase, health experts emphasize differentiation and stress the importance of vaccination

Updated: 5:37 PM CST Jan 25, 2024

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, health officials are experiencing an upward trend in influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Health experts say we are currently in the peak season for these respiratory illnesses.The Arkansas Department of Health released its latest weekly report on Thursday.Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Kelly Thompson-Davis with Northwest Health emphasized the significance of the weekly update."This update is important because it informs us about the state's overall condition concerning COVID infections, influenza infections, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV," said Thompson-Davis.Given that these illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system, it can become difficult to differentiate between them.Thompson-Davis said, "It's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually that you were fine the day before, and you wake up feeling much worse."Thompson-Davis said that COVID typically comes with symptoms such as cough, congestion, runny nose, and possibly a low-grade fever. He also emphasizes the distinctive onset of fatigue. Additionally, he notes that RSV is characterized by significant mucus production, often resembling a common cold for most individuals, with babies and the elderly being more susceptible to airway issues.Currently, ADH reports 24 flu-related deaths in Arkansas this season and 36 COVID-19-related deaths this year. Despite already being in the peak season, Thompson-Davis encourages vaccination."It's not too late to get vaccinated. The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses flu, COVID-19, or those that might succumb to RSV. So, the fact that we've had 24 deaths is concerning because we could have fewer if more people get vaccinated," said Thompson-Davis.For those feeling unwell, the CDC recommends staying home to prevent spreading illness. Individuals with COVID-19 should follow current guidelines, which advise self-isolation for five days from the onset of symptoms.

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, health officials are experiencing an upward trend in influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Health experts say we are currently in the peak season for these respiratory illnesses.

The Arkansas Department of Health released its latest weekly report on Thursday.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Kelly Thompson-Davis with Northwest Health emphasized the significance of the weekly update.

"This update is important because it informs us about the state's overall condition concerning COVID infections, influenza infections, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV," said Thompson-Davis.

Given that these illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system, it can become difficult to differentiate between them.

Thompson-Davis said, "It's good to note that the flu comes on rapidly. It's usually that you were fine the day before, and you wake up feeling much worse."

Thompson-Davis said that COVID typically comes with symptoms such as cough, congestion, runny nose, and possibly a low-grade fever. He also emphasizes the distinctive onset of fatigue. Additionally, he notes that RSV is characterized by significant mucus production, often resembling a common cold for most individuals, with babies and the elderly being more susceptible to airway issues.

Currently, ADH reports 24 flu-related deaths in Arkansas this season and 36 COVID-19-related deaths this year. Despite already being in the peak season, Thompson-Davis encourages vaccination.

"It's not too late to get vaccinated. The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can certainly decrease the number of fatalities from any of the illnesses flu, COVID-19, or those that might succumb to RSV. So, the fact that we've had 24 deaths is concerning because we could have fewer if more people get vaccinated," said Thompson-Davis.

For those feeling unwell, the CDC recommends staying home to prevent spreading illness. Individuals with COVID-19 should follow current guidelines, which advise self-isolation for five days from the onset of symptoms.

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Health officials explain the difference as respiratory illnesses are now in peak season - 4029tv

WATCH Avian flu is in Canada. What does that mean for birds and humans? – CBC.ca

January 27, 2024

Flu season is here, and people arent the only ones getting sick.

Birds across the world have been falling ill with an infection called avian influenza, or bird flu. Throughout 2023, the World Organization for Animal Health reported outbreaks in many countries including South Africa, the United States and Canada. Cases have already been found this month in Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Quebec. While officials say its rare for avian flu to infect humans, the disease still poses a financial risk for people working in the poultry industry.

Chickens crowd together on a farm in Lichtenburg, South Africa, in March 2023. In order to prevent the virus from spreading, farmers often have to kill their chickens. (Image credit: Denis Farrell/The Associated Press)

Avian influenza, or avian flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. Its often spread by wild birds, which are natural carriers of avian flu viruses. Although these wild birds dont always get sick, the virus can make domestic birds such as chickens and turkeys very ill. Birds that are infected will behave strangely and some die suddenly.

Avian influenza viruses that spread easily and cause serious disease in poultry are called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Avian flu can infect mammals such as bears, seals, dogs and cats.

A sea lion with symptoms of bird flu sits on the shore in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in November. In December, authorities said almost 1,000 seals and sea lions in southern Brazil died from bird flu outbreaks. (Image credit: Diego Vara/Reuters)

The risk of transmission of HPAI to humans from wild birds and other wildlife is low, says the Government of Canada on its website.

However, its not impossible.

People are encouraged to wear protective gear while interacting with wild or sick birds, and to wash their hands and clothing afterwards.

There are currently no treatments for birds with avian flu. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it deals with avian flu outbreaks by ordering birds exposed to the virus to be killed. If this happens, the CFIA may compensate the animals owner by paying them what the animals are worth.

Even so, people in the poultry industry still face financial losses.

A chicken egg rests on a bed of straw, while a hen stands guard. (Image credit: Erin Hooley/The Associated Press)

Consumers are also affected.

When poultry has to be put down, farmers produce less meat and eggs to sell.

This means those farmers make less money, and the price of poultry products in the grocery store goes up.

This isnt the first time Canadian farmers have been affected by avian flu.

The first case of HPAI ever recorded in Canada was in 2004.

In January 2022, hundreds of cases of avian flu were detected in Canada.

This can be a very stressful time for everyone in the sector, read a statement from the organization Chicken Farmers of Canada at the time.

Have more questions? Want to tell us how we're doing? Use the send us feedback link below.

TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Erin Hooley/The Associated Press, with graphic design by Philip Street/CBC

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WATCH Avian flu is in Canada. What does that mean for birds and humans? - CBC.ca

Texas Publishes ‘Big Three’ Respiratory Virus Trends and Insights – Precision Vaccinations

January 27, 2024

Austin (Precision Vaccinations News)

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) today announced it had launched new data tools to empower people to keep tabs on respiratory viruses in Texas.

In Texas, respiratory virus season runs from October to May and usually peaks in the winter. However, these viruses createhealth risks at any time of year.

Launched on January 22, 2024, therespiratory virus dashboardaccessible throughDSHS's Texas Health Data siteshows trends in illnesses from influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the respiratory viruses most likely to cause serious disease at this time of year.

Updated each Friday, this innovative dashboard's data includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

"Those data points demonstrate the diseases' most severe effects on people, communities, and the health care system," said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, in a press release.

"The dashboard provides a near real-time look at conditions so that people can make informed decisions on precautions for themselves and their families, and health care professionals can make recommendations to their patients."

DSHS is also publishing a newweekly respiratory virus surveillance report, combining separate reports on influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.

The report contains more in-depth data on the three diseases, including, but not limited to, information on the burden of influenza-like illness (ILI), counties where different types of flu have been found, and the proportions of COVID-19 variants present in Texas.

As of January 19, 2024, compared to the previous week, the updatedsurveillance report confirmed the following:

The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza reported by hospital laboratories has increased.

The percentage of patient visits due to ILIhas decreased.

No influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.

Ten influenza-associated institutional outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities.

Furthermore, the Walgreens Flu Index only listed Tyler-Longview and El Paso, Texas, in its top ten cities reporting influenza medication dispensing.

Getting immunized against respiratory viruses is a good way for people to protect themselves against the severe disease, hospitalization, and death they can cause, wrote DSHS.

According to recent U.S. CDC data, the national percentage of the population reporting receipt of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines remains low for children and adults.

The percent of the population reporting receipt of the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine is 11%for children and 21.5% for adults 18+, including 40.9%among adults age 65+.

The percent of the population reporting receipt of a flu vaccine is 47.5%, and influenzavaccination coverage among pregnant womenasof December 2023 is about 3%points lower compared to the end of December 2022 (36% Vs.39%),

The percentage of adults aged 60+ who report receiving an RSV vaccine is 21.1%.

As of January 22, 2024, various respiratory vaccines remain available at most pharmacies in Texas.

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Texas Publishes 'Big Three' Respiratory Virus Trends and Insights - Precision Vaccinations

North Carolina: 7 new flu cases reported in North Carolina, numbers up to 176 this season – WXII12 Winston-Salem

January 27, 2024

EMILY SCHMIDT, WXII 12 NEWS. BACK IN OUR STATE, IT LOOKS LIKE THE VERY WORST OF THE POST-CHRISTMAS FLU SPIKE IS JUST ABOUT BEHIND US. BUT THE VIRUS DOES CONTINUE TO BE DEADLY HERE TONIGHT. THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IS REPORTING AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN FLU DEATHS IN THE WEEK THAT ENDED SATURDAY. SO FAR THIS SEASON, WHICH RUNS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF MAY, WERE UP TO 176, INCLUDING SEVEN CHILDREN. ON THE PLUS SIDE, FLU RELATED HOSPITAL VISITS ARE NOW DOWN FOR THREE STRAIGHT WEEKS. FOR A FRAME OF REFERENCE HERE, ALMOST THREE AND A HALF TIMES AS MANY PEOPLE CH

7 new flu cases reported in North Carolina, numbers up to 176 this season, health officials say

Updated: 3:34 PM EST Jan 25, 2024

Spikes in flu cases have gone down following the holiday season; however, officials are sharing how deadly the virus remains.On Wednesday, the State Department of Health and Human Services said by Saturday, there was an additional seven flu-related deaths. Top StoriesNC State Highway Patrol searching for hit and run suspect in connection to fatal collision in Alamance County'Eternally grateful': Dog found safe after more than a week in the bitter coldNorth Carolina woman charged with communicating threats through social media, Randolph Co. deputies sayGet the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereDuring this flu season, so far, officials said they have seen up to 176 cases, including seven found in children.Officials said on the positive side, flu-related hospital visits have been down for the past three weeks. This number is almost three and a half times as many people checked in the week after Christmas as compared to this week.Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsTop StoriesNAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.

Spikes in flu cases have gone down following the holiday season; however, officials are sharing how deadly the virus remains.

On Wednesday, the State Department of Health and Human Services said by Saturday, there was an additional seven flu-related deaths.

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Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here

During this flu season, so far, officials said they have seen up to 176 cases, including seven found in children.

Officials said on the positive side, flu-related hospital visits have been down for the past three weeks. This number is almost three and a half times as many people checked in the week after Christmas as compared to this week.

Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscasts

Top Stories

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |

Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.

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North Carolina: 7 new flu cases reported in North Carolina, numbers up to 176 this season - WXII12 Winston-Salem

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