US: More hospitals requiring masks as COVID-19, RSV and flu cases rise across the nation
Masks are back at hospitals in time for a post-holiday rise of respiratory illnesses. VIDEO: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/2024/01/05/more-hospitals-requiring-masks-as-covid-19-rsv-and-flu-cases-rise
Canada: Influenza, RSV on the rise in B.C. while COVID-19 continues to decline, health officials say
hospitals in the province are treating a record number of patients, according to Health Minister Adrian Dix. https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.7079684
CDC Respiratory Virus Updates
CDC is posting updates on the respiratory illness season here every week. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/index.html
COVID-19 Activity Increases as Prevalence of JN.1 Variant Continues to Rise
Remember: Although the numbers are below last year's, COVID and "the longer-term effects of COVID-19, such as Long COVID, remain important public health threats, especially for people who are at higher risk of severe illness." https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html
Respiratory viruses are on the move this season. Here's what you can do to limit the spread
If someone is sick, Ogunyemi said, it's best to stay at home until 24 hours after symptoms, like a fever, have subsided.
"If there's a gastrointestinal or a stomach illness, what we suggest is 48 hours without vomiting or diarrhea and to feel more confident that we're safe to leave the house."
One way that people can also limit spread is through vaccination... Wearing a face mask can also be an important tool to help prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19... it's strongly recommended in places with poor ventilation and for people who are more at risk for severe health consequences.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/ogunyemi-covid-flu-season-1.7076016
Flu traditionally peaks in January. Nurses appreciate it if we stay out of the hospital when we get Covid. Simple, really. My anti-vaxxer relative's mother was sick again after taking a cruise in November, and then again after seeing the un-vaxxed grandkids at Xmas. She insists it was NOT Covid. Of course.