As hospitals and emergency rooms fill up amid a flu wave, doctors are warning others to get vaccinated against this and COVID-19, especially ahead of the holiday season. The flu is already hitting hard, with 22 states and Washington, D. C. , reporting high levels of activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC also said the flu hospitalization rate is the highest for this early season in a decade.
Dr. Daniel Guzman of Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth said the double whammy of RSV, a common respiratory illness in children, and flu cases filled his emergency room. He added that the rate of cases at the hospital had just increased. It nearly doubled last week, from 172 to nearly 338 flu patients.
That’s why doctors urge other people to get vaccinated. Andrew Talbot, an instructor from Massachusetts, said he earned his COVID-19 reminder before traveling to see his mother immunocompromised during the holidays.
“I’m aware of the fact that COVID comes and goes in waves,” he told CBS News. “And especially since she takes immunosuppressive drugs, she didn’t need to threaten to bring anything home. “
However, only 10% of people over the age of five have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and only 21% of adults report being vaccinated against the flu, according to the CDC.
“You’re protecting your entire circle bubble of family members,” Guzman said of vaccination.
To stay this holiday season, experts recommend getting vaccinated, contemplating a “mini-quarantine” the week before you travel, getting tested before you meet, and staying home if you feel sick.
“It’s never too late to get a flu shot,” Guzman said. “I think we need to emphasize that this is a vital thing to help you and everyone around you, get everyone out and get a flu shot. “