From the title, I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t need another thing to worry about during the holidays.” I hear you. As around 48% of Americans plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January, according to Deloitte, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data reveals that flu, RSV, and COVID cases are on the rise during this holiday season. But don’t worry! By making some minor adjustments and practicing mindfulness, you will be all set to enjoy your holidays virus-free!
What does the CDC data reveal about COVID-19?
While the CDC doesn’t track COVID-19 testing as closely as it did during the pandemic, it does still track other COVID-related data, such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Early indicators reveal that emergency department visits have increased 7.1% in the past week. There were 16,239 hospital admissions due to COVID from November 5 to November 11, 2023, an 8.6% increase from last week. During this same time period, U.S. deaths due to COVID-19 increased by 9.1%.
While this data is not as harrowing as that of the last three years, there are some parts of the country seeing more COVID cases than others. The CDC defines a “high” level of new COVID hospital admissions per 100,000 people as 20 or more. Parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada all have counties with a high level of hospitalizations.
Nearly 30 states, including Arkansas, are seeing a “medium” level of new COVID hospital admissions (10-19 admissions per 100,000 people). Chicot, Ashley, Lafayette, Miller, Hempstead, Nevada, Little River, Sevier, and Howard counties are all included in this designation for Arkansas.
COVID isn't the only virus going around.
CDC data also reveals that flu cases are rising across the U.S., with recent data showing the highest activity in Louisiana. Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, New Mexico, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico are seeing high activity. Flu activity is moderate but rising in Arkansas and surrounding states like Texas and Tennessee.
It’s important to note that data recorded during flu season considers those who have checked into a clinic or hospital with flu-like symptoms. Many people with the flu may not have been tested yet, so their infections are not confirmed. Others may have other respiratory viruses that share similar symptoms to the flu.
Speaking of other respiratory viruses...
The CDC reports that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are also rising. Despite a decrease over the summer, RSV diagnoses are climbing across the U.S., even reaching the thousands just last week. California, Texas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee are seeing cases rise. Arkansas saw a 15% increase in positive RSV cases over the last three weeks, though the CDC reports some of the data is insufficient.
Vaccines are available.
I don’t mean to cause concern or scare you by discussing this data. I only mean to inform you so that you can take the necessary steps to stay healthy if you’re traveling over the holidays. There are vaccines currently available for COVID-19, flu, and RSV for qualifying Americans.
Experts say that you can get your COVID and flu shots at the same time. For the first time ever, older adults and those who are pregnant are also eligible to receive the RSV vaccine, which was approved by the FDA earlier this year.
What can you do to stay healthy during flu season?
The CDC recommends several strategies you can employ to stay healthy during the holidays, especially while traveling:
- Stay at home when you are sick. (Yes, even if you have to miss those holiday gatherings.)
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Get plenty of sleep. (Maybe take a good post-Thanksgiving-dinner nap?)
- Be physically active.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat nutritious food.
- Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs.
- Ensure you have plenty of tissues, soap, and alcohol hand cleaner.
Enjoy the holidays healthy.
If you feel sick, it’s best not to get together with friends and family until you feel better. Remember to get vaccinated for flu, COVID, and RSV, and be mindful of others. It’s still possible to enjoy others’ company while practicing healthy habits. You don’t want to get that text after a celebration that someone got sick. Eat well, have fun, and stay mindful.
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