End of peak respiratory illness season brings relief amid high flu, COVID-19 cases – KATU

End of peak respiratory illness season brings relief amid high flu, COVID-19 cases

by Lee Stoll, KOMO News Reporter

FILE - A doctor gives a patient the COVID-19 booster shot. (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON

The end of January is almost here, which could be good news for your health.

Respiratory illnesses usually spike in the first month of the year marked by an increase in coughs, nasal congestion, fatigue, and fever.

This year, a new COVID-19 variant is making the season even more sufferable.

"This year we're seeing very high cases of many respiratory viruses. And when I say respiratory viruses Im talking about influenza, RSV, and COVID-19," said Dr. Robert A. Pitts with NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 is the leading cause of hospital admissions among respiratory viruses. But the numbers are improving.

37 states started the month with high or very high levels of illness. That's down to just 7.

Activity is low in Washington, but hospital admissions are up about 7.5% across Puget Sound.

"It's never too late to get vaccinated. So, for all of my patients that I take care of and the providers that I work with at my local hospital, I'm recommending on a daily basis for them to vaccinate or to offer vaccination for influenza, as well as for COVID-19," said Pitts.

The good news is a study from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine shows this season's flu shot is a good match for fighting the dominant strain, reducing the risk of a hospital stay by 52%.

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End of peak respiratory illness season brings relief amid high flu, COVID-19 cases - KATU