SACRAMENTO — It’s the season of breathing.
What the medical network has called a “triple dem” of COVID, RSV and flu is affecting hospitals, as numbers remain high for each.
RSV and influenza have higher levels much earlier than expected.
“We had a very early start of RSV this year with a peak in several cases, however, the news is that we appear to have reached or are achieving a peak in terms of RSV transmission,” said Dr. Dean Blumberg of UC. . Davis Health.
As hands are folded, RSV will begin to decline, California is greatly affected by flu activity, which is among the worst in the United States, according to the CDC, which ranks flu transmission in California as “very high. “
This is a triple risk with 3 harmful respiratory illnesses spreading widely weeks before Christmas Day.
“The flu is underway and we expect a buildup of COVID cases,” Blumberg said.
According to state data, flu admissions at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California haven’t reached such a high point, so early in the season, since 2017, when a severe flu outbreak killed 52,000 Americans.
“That’s why I’m extremely concerned about the flu this year. I think it’s going to cause the biggest disruption in terms of hospitalizations, serious ailments and probably deaths as well,” Blumberg said.
While the effect of COVID is expected to be relatively minor this winter, the numbers continue to rise.
Just last week, the state of California reported on its dashboard that another 3737 people had been hospitalized with COVID; That’s a jump of more than 2,000 patients from just one month in October. It is also higher than in November 2021 of about 550 patients.
“However, COVID is not expected to drive the big waves noticed in recent winters,” Blumberg said.
Doctors say caution is necessary.
“Always be careful and don’t let your guard down about it. If you have symptoms, even if you’re COVID-negative, [you should] stay home,” said Dr. Ignacio Becerra-Licha of Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center.
RSV, COVID and flu have the capacity to overwhelm hospitals in the region that are already feeling the pressure. Adventist fitness officials say they have observed trends in countries with previous winter seasons.
“Given the accumulation of ailments in Australia in our summer months, we expected to see a flu and RSV buildup, as well as a buildup of COVID-19 and the common cold, as other people spend more time indoors. “and have plans in place to manage an inpatient building,” said Dr. Alexander Heard, a physician with Adventist Health and Rideout.
For the holidays, doctors say to stay on the lookout for an unwanted gift of respiratory illness.
“Also plan around your most at-risk family member,” Becerra-Licha said.
Doctors still encourage other people to get a seasonal flu shot, saying it’s not too late for them.
Another undeniable thing you can do is one of the most difficult: doctors recommend that you take care of yourself to avoid touching your face. It’s a hard habit to break, but it can be one of the most effective tactics for preventing the spread of flu and RSV.