Trifecta of Respiratory Viruses Hits US Hard This Holiday Season
A surge of three respiratory viruses, flu, RSV and COVID-19, is sickening hundreds of thousands of Americans this holiday season. Three separate waves of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), flu (influenza) and COVID-19 have combined to cause unusually high hospitalization rates. Flu activity gotten off to the fastest start in 12 years. Upwards of 150,000 people have already been hospitalized from the virus. RSV hospitalizations of children skyrocketed this Fall but rates have begun to decline. Severe COVID-19 cases are climbing and epidemiologists warn the resurgence will likely continue into the New Year. The trio of viruses have overwhelmed healthcare facilities throughout the US. As of December 10, all but seven states reported very high or high levels of respiratory illness.
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