When the confetti settled and the goals were written, many people in the US ended up with an alternative type of headache: a terrible episode of respiratory illness. The cheering was muted by a jump in flus, wheezing and fevers, painting a distressing picture on the CDC's flu movement map.
Shades of red tell of great hardship
Updated weekly by the CDC, the guide uses a diverse coded framework to track influenza-like illness (ILI) activity across the country. Shades of red, from lighter to the deepest dark red, address the increasing levels of ILI revealed by short-term medical providers. What's more, the last long period of 2023 saw the guide burning red, an unmistakable difference from earlier months.
Strong match of infections
This was no ordinary flu season. A strong coincidence of respiratory infections combined to create a triple danger:
Influenza: The H3N2 strain of influenza A, particularly destructive and known for causing serious illness in more established adults and young children, ruled.
RSV: Respiratory syncytial infection (RSV) normally peaks in the winter, but this year it hit earlier and harder, especially affecting newborns and infants.
Coronavirus: Including the ever-present coronavirus with new variations that further confused the picture.
The combination of these viral adversaries produced:
Overwhelmed medical clinics: Trauma centers and urgent care communities saw a flood of patients with respiratory side effects, stressing medical care frameworks previously plagued by staffing shortages.
Closing schools: Schools faced tough choices, closing their entrances in certain areas to control the spread and protect vulnerable students.
Occasional interruptions: Celebrations were scaled back or canceled altogether as families struggled with illness.
Geographic Spread: An Interwoven of Disease
A brief look at the Trust Not too far away
Uplifting news? The latest CDC information suggests a decline in ILI incidence in certain areas. The flu season may have passed, and with caution and precautions, the bend could still be smoothed out.
Protect yourself and your friends and family
In examining the latest in this spate of respiratory illnesses, it's important to focus on prevention:
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against flu and coronavirus. Although vaccination is not safe, it generally reduces the risk of serious diseases and hospitalization.
Blanketing: Consider wearing blankets in crowded indoor environments, especially if you're at high risk for respiratory illness.
Hand washing: Continuous hand washing with detergent and water remains one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.S
tay at home after wiping: In case you are not feeling well, stay at home and try not to contaminate others.
By taking these steps, we can help protect ourselves, our friends and family, and our networks from respiratory illness. Keep in mind that the guide may have illustrated a far-reaching mess, but aggregate activity can turn things around and showcase a better 2024.
Extra Assets:
CDC Influenza Action Guide: https://www.cdc.gov/influenza/week by week/fluactivitysurv.htmCDC Coronavirus Information Tracker: https://covid.cdc.gov/Coronavirus information tracker/
CDC Respiratory Sickness Side Effects and Tips for Anticipating: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-infections/whats-new/index.html
Hopefully, the next time we look at the respiratory disease action guide, it will tell an alternative story – one of flexibility, pushback and a deep breath of relief. Until then, stay safe and strong!
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