Health

In third winter of COVID, biggest threat is 3 viruses at once

Ohio health officials are urging caution again this winter. But coming into his third holiday season with COVID-19, the nature of these warnings is a little different.

three at the same time

As Ohio Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff explained, this year’s threat is more than one respiratory virus at once.

“Unlike the last two winters, COVID isn’t the only issue,” he said. “But it’s a combination of COVID, the flu, and his RSV, especially for people with more vulnerable health conditions and those who haven’t been vaccinated enough for the flu or his COVID-19.”

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, often feels like a cold to adults and healthy children. According to the CDC, RSV is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in children under 12 months of age.

Unlike COVID-19 and influenza, RSV has no vaccine.

Notes and indicators

As ever, Vanderhoff’s main precautionary recommendation is for anyone feeling unwell to stay home and for everyone to wash their hands regularly. is recommended.

He also urged people who haven’t been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 to do so.

“Vaccination is the safest and most reliable way to maximize the cell-mediated immunity I spoke of,” explained Vanderhoff. “It gives your immune system the best chance to face and defeat the virus.”

According to the CDC, COVID-19 community level — Statistics based on hospitalizations and cases per 100,000 population — Low in many Ohio counties. Based on these metrics, 12 were ranked as “high”.

Dr. Joe Gastaldo, chief medical officer for infectious diseases at OhioHealth, said these counties need special attention.

“In these scenarios, we recommend wearing a mask regardless of your vaccination status,” he said. If you have the condition or have a weakened immune system, as an infectious disease doctor, I recommend wearing a mask indoors in public places.

CDC is more familiar community submission Indicators based on the rate of cases and positive tests per 100,000 population remain high statewide. Of Ohio’s 88 counties, he has high community-acquired rates in all but nine and none with low rates.

As for RSV and influenza, Vanderhoff noted that both started earlier this year than in previous years and increased rapidly. Both viruses have receded from their peaks, but they remain dangerous to some populations, he explained.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans Twitter.

ExBulletin

In third winter of COVID, biggest threat is 3 viruses at once

Health

In third winter of COVID, biggest threat is 3 viruses at once

three at the same time

Notes and indicators

Related

Recent Posts

Add ExBulletin to your Home screen!