As families unite during the holiday season, health experts note an increased risk of respiratory virus transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that COVID-19, flu, and RSV are more prone to spreading in the fall and winter, particularly due to the surge in large gatherings and travel.
Ohio Faces Fifth Consecutive Week of COVID-19 Surges, Raising Concerns of a Potential 'Tridemic' this Holiday Season
Increasing COVID-19 Cases in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health has reported a continuous increase in COVID-19 cases statewide over the past five weeks, a concerning trend coinciding with the imminent approach of Thanksgiving gatherings.
State health officials revealed a notable spike in reported COVID cases this week, surpassing 1,000 additional cases compared to the previous week. The total cases rose from 7,511 to 8,557, highlighting the persistence of the upward trajectory.
Examining more localized data for the second week of November, Kevin Brennan from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health disclosed that COVID cases in Cuyahoga County saw a 9% increase from the previous week, reaching a total of 482 cases.
Despite the fluctuating positive COVID cases, there is a silver lining. Brennan shared optimistic news, stating that local hospitalizations remain notably low. He emphasized that Cuyahoga County is still under the state average in terms of COVID cases, providing a measure of reassurance amid the ongoing challenges.
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV 'Tridemic' This Holiday Season
With the holiday season approaching, parents in North Texas are being urged by healthcare professionals to remain vigilant. Emergency rooms and medical offices are witnessing a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the flu, and COVID-19.
Doctors at Cook Children's express apprehension, especially given the expected rise in travel and gatherings during this festive period, which could contribute to the increased transmission of these viruses.
The medical staff at Cook Children's report a notable increase in patient visits, with urgent care facilities attending to over 700 children daily, and emergency rooms managing 400-500 cases per day over the weekend. The healthcare system is grappling with simultaneous surges in RSV, COVID-19, and flu cases, posing challenges in providing care to the most critically ill patients with the greatest needs.
While the year 2022 witnessed the emergence of a "tridemic" or 'triple threat' scenario with COVID-19, flu, and RSV overwhelming hospitals, 2023 marks the first year where vaccines are available to combat all three viruses.
Despite a positivity rate of around 30% for respiratory viruses at Cook Children's, including a high number of RSV cases, flu, and COVID-19 numbers are fortunately still relatively low.
Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth observed a surge in new patients last week, with one patient checking into the ER every three minutes and a total of 372 RSV cases. With Thanksgiving celebrations underway, healthcare professionals anticipate a potential increase in positive cases post-holiday due to travel and family gatherings, emphasizing the importance of precautions to prevent the spread of germs.
Given the crowded ERs, healthcare providers advise individuals to contact their primary care providers first, urging a call ahead to manage potential long waits. The overarching recommendation remains for those feeling unwell to stay at home and prioritize hand hygiene to mitigate the risk of further transmission.
RELATED ARTICLE: CDC Urges the Public To Wear Face Masks To Prevent Virus Transmission this Flu Season
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