Title: Rising COVID-19 and Flu Cases in California Cause Concern as Winter Holidays Approach
Subtitle: Health officials issue warnings about low vaccination rates and the emergence of a new COVID-19 subvariant
With the winter holiday season on the horizon, health officials in California are expressing growing concerns over an uptick in COVID-19 and flu cases. This surge in respiratory illnesses was anticipated, as winter surges have been an annual occurrence since the start of the pandemic.
One contributing factor to the rise in cases is the low uptake of reformulated vaccines, leaving certain populations vulnerable to severe health outcomes. In the week ending December 9th, California reported 2,449 new COVID-19 hospital admissions, representing a 40% increase over the past month. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated California as having a “high” viral illness activity level.
Experts emphasize that getting vaccinated is crucial in preventing hospitalizations and saving lives. COVID-19 remains the primary cause of new respiratory hospitalizations and deaths, with a staggering 1,000 fatalities reported every week. Particularly concerning is the low vaccination rate among seniors, who are at a higher risk of severe illness.
Additionally, flu vaccination rates this year are slightly lower than the previous year, and vaccination rates for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also alarmingly low among older adults. The CDC is urging healthcare providers to strongly recommend immunizations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV, as low vaccination rates could lead to more severe diseases and increased strain on healthcare facilities.
To combat these respiratory illnesses, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Paxlovid have been recommended for eligible patients with flu and COVID-19. While hospitals in Southern California and the Bay Area are seeing an increase in illnesses, hospitalizations have not significantly risen.
However, waning immunity from past infections and outdated booster shots may contribute to the surge in COVID-19 cases. A new subvariant, known as JN.1, is on the rise and may have the ability to more easily infect individuals who had previously contracted an older version of the virus or have not received an updated vaccine. Nonetheless, the CDC assures the public that available vaccines, tests, and antiviral medications continue to be effective against this new subvariant.
As the winter holiday season approaches, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their health and safety by getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and RSV. By doing so, they can protect themselves and others, minimize the strain on healthcare facilities, and ensure a safer and healthier winter season.
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