Title: United States Urged to Get Vaccinated as Respiratory Virus Season Approaches
Subtitle: Experts stress the importance of vaccinations to protect against respiratory illnesses and alleviate strain on healthcare system
As the United States enters the respiratory virus season, healthcare experts are urging the public to get vaccinated in order to stay healthy and mitigate the strain on the healthcare system. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that this year’s respiratory disease season will be similar to last year, which witnessed high hospitalization rates.
During the peak of the upcoming respiratory virus season, experts anticipate approximately 15 to 25 new weekly hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the US. Alarmingly, it is predicted that almost half of these hospitalizations will be attributed to COVID-19. Although current respiratory virus levels in the US are relatively low, experts warn that this will change soon.
Vaccinations play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals and preventing severe respiratory illnesses. Fortunately, the US now has vaccines available for all three major respiratory viruses: COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, as well as this season’s flu vaccine. The RSV vaccine is specifically recommended for certain high-risk groups.
Experts emphasize that the ideal time to receive the flu vaccine is before the end of October. Individuals can conveniently get vaccinated against COVID-19, flu, and RSV during the same visit. The US Department of Health and Human Services has been actively communicating with public health departments, providers, and medical associations to promote the importance of vaccination.
As of Friday, nearly 12 million people in the US have received the new COVID-19 vaccine. However, the overall uptake of vaccinations remains uncertain at this point. With hospitals already facing strain, the impending respiratory season presents an additional challenge. It is crucial for individuals to get vaccinated in order to prevent hospitalizations and ensure the best possible care for those in need.
By taking proactive measures such as getting vaccinated, the public can protect themselves and contribute toward alleviating the burden on the healthcare system. As the respiratory virus season approaches, individuals are encouraged to prioritize their health and the health of their communities by staying informed and seeking vaccination opportunities.
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