Combination of COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza Could Overwhelm Hospitals, CDC Warns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that the simultaneous presence of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza this winter could place a significant burden on the U.S. healthcare system and potentially overwhelm hospitals.
The CDC’s “Respiratory Disease Season Outlook – Summary,” published on September 14, highlights the potential challenges ahead.
The CDC emphasizes that COVID-19 has now become a part of the respiratory virus season, joining the seasonal influenza virus (flu) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The agency’s analysis shows that even during an average respiratory season, the addition of a third virus capable of causing severe illness, such as COVID-19, can strain the healthcare system.
The fall and winter seasons are typically when respiratory viruses circulate more heavily, according to the CDC. Prior to COVID-19, flu and RSV were the primary causes of severe respiratory disease during this time of year.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild illness, including symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, and fever. However, it can lead to severe infections, particularly in older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While most people infected with flu or RSV experience mild symptoms and recover quickly, certain groups, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems, may develop severe complications requiring hospitalization.
Influenza primarily affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, causing mild illness in most cases. However, individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of experiencing more serious complications.
A nurse at Three Rivers Asante Medical Center runs to a room in the Intensive Care Unit to help as medical staff treat a COVID-19 patient in Grants Pass, Ore., on Sept. 9, 2021. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
Anticipated Rise in Hospitalizations
Flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two initially. However, most people infected with the flu can recover within a few days or weeks.
The CDC explains, “Although some people experience mild symptoms with flu or RSV, others become sick enough to require hospitalization. The severity of a season depends on the circulating strains of viruses and our immunity to them. One measure of severity is the number of hospitalizations, which can strain the healthcare system.”
While flu activity in the United States is currently low, the CDC expects it to increase during the fall and winter seasons. Similarly, RSV activity is also low but likely to rise, according to the agency.
In conclusion, the CDC predicts that this year’s respiratory virus season will resemble the previous year, with COVID-19, RSV, and influenza collectively impacting the healthcare system and resulting in a similar number of hospitalizations as last year.
The agency presents two possible scenarios for the upcoming cold and flu season. In one scenario, there may be moderate flu and RSV activity alongside moderate COVID-19 activity, with staggered peak timing. In the second scenario, there may be more severe flu and RSV activity, combined with moderate COVID-19 activity and overlapping peak timing.
UCI medical staff receive a COVID-19 vaccination in Orange, Calif., on Dec. 16, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Vaccines Available
The CDC highlights that, for the first time ever, vaccines will be available this fall for all three respiratory viruses. The agency strongly encourages individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu and its potential complications.
The CDC’s recent warning follows an earlier alert to physicians and caregivers about the rise in RSV cases among infants and babies in certain parts of the Southeastern United States. The agency recommended considering the administration of monoclonal antibody products and a preventative antibody treatment called nirsevimab.
Nirsevimab, sold under the brand name Beyfortus and manufactured by AstraZeneca, has shown safety and consistent effectiveness against RSV throughout the entire RSV season in late-stage clinical trials involving 3,600 participants.
While most infants tolerated the antibody well, a small group experienced a rash as a side effect, and another small group at risk of severe RSV developed a fever.
The FDA has also approved the first vaccine for pregnant women to prevent RSV infections in babies and toddlers. According to the manufacturer, this vaccine reduces the risk of severe lower respiratory tract disease by 81.8 percent within 90 days after birth. However, a small percentage of pregnant women who received the vaccine developed pre-eclampsia, a dangerous hypertensive disorder.
Earlier this week, the CDC recommended that nearly all Americans receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines. However, the agency has denied speculation about the return of COVID-19-related mask mandates or lockdowns.
Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report.
What specific steps does the CDC advise healthcare facilities to take in order to be prepared for the concurrent circulation of these respiratory viruses?
Tion at a drive-thru clinic at the University of California, Irvine on Dec. 15, 2020. (Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images)
The CDC stresses the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination, wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick in order to reduce the spread and impact of these respiratory viruses.
Prevention and Preparedness Efforts
With the potential for increased hospitalizations, the CDC calls for healthcare facilities to be prepared for the concurrent circulation of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza.
The agency recommends that hospitals and healthcare providers review their infection control protocols and ensure sufficient availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies. They should also collaborate with public health agencies and community partners to enhance surveillance, promote vaccination, and implement prevention strategies.
Additionally, the CDC advises healthcare facilities to optimize their capacity and resources by establishing strategies to manage patient surge, expanding telehealth services, and coordinating with other healthcare facilities to ensure adequate bed availability and staffing.
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