The United States has recently seen a surge in the number of influenza cases and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in children, and if the number of new cases of pneumonia also climbs this winter, the United States will face a “triple epidemic” impact.
The CDC says the rising trend of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission in children in several areas of the United States has overwhelmed children’s hospitals, and the Seattle Children’s Emergency Department has seen a record number of pediatric patients in October. In addition, the early part of this year’s flu season, the U.S. flu cases rose more quickly than expected.
Meanwhile, the number of new cases in the U.S. is expected to rise as people increasingly gather indoors with the onset of cold weather. Wastewater surveillance results show that the number of new cases is already on the rise in some areas, meaning that the U.S. may be on the verge of a “triple epidemic crisis” that could pose a threat to the U.S. health system.
One important factor that may have contributed to this winter’s epidemic crisis is that for millions of Americans, epidemic precautions have been relaxed. Compared to a year ago, far fewer people in the U.S. are wearing masks or keeping social distance this year, people are traveling around again, and are generally less cautious about outbreak preparedness. In addition, the emergence of new variants of the New Coronavirus is a potential concern, and experts urge parents to take precautions to protect the health and safety of their children.
