CDC Updates | New In-Season Estimates of COVID-19 and RSV - 1/7/2025

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

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January 7, 2025 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

New COVID-19 and RSV Estimates Can Help Shape Prevention Efforts     It is not possible to know exactly how many people get sick from COVID-19 and RSV. That’s because not everyone who gets COVID-19 or RSV will get tested or seek medical care. Also, COVID-19 and RSV are not nationally notifiable diseases. This means only cases that lead to hospitalization are reported to CDC.   Because of this, CDC uses models to estimate the national impact of COVID-19 and RSV—for example, how many people go to a healthcare provider or are hospitalized because of these illnesses. The models use inputs from continually updated surveillance data and data from the latest scientific studies. CDC has published similar estimates for flu for many years.   People can use this information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare, such as vaccination, testing, and treatment. These estimates can help public health officials promote prevention measures and plan for COVID-19 and RSV impacts on healthcare systems to ensure that Americans can continue to get the healthcare they need during times of widespread respiratory illnesses. The estimates will also help us compare the burden associated with COVID-19 and RSV year over year and compare it to other respiratory illnesses.   Preliminary U.S. COVID-19 and RSV burden estimates since October 1, 2024, are available on CDC’s website and will be updated weekly on Fridays. This year’s and previous years’ flu disease burden estimates are also available.

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Certain Groups at Increased Risk for Severe Health Outcomes from Parvovirus B19 Parvovirus B19 infection can lead to serious health complications for certain groups, including those with a weakened immune system, chronic hemolytic blood disorders (like sickle cell disease), or who are pregnant.   New data from three MMWRs show that: The percentage of positive human parvovirus B19 results in clinical specimens more than doubled in 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels. In Minnesota, during the first 10 months of 2024, 19 cases of parvovirus B19-associated pregnancy complication were identified compared to a total of 28 cases identified during the preceding 5 years. A sickle cell disease clinic in Atlanta, GA, found that the rate of severe anemia due to parvovirus B19 infection in children with sickle cell disease more than tripled during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the overall rate for the previous 14 years. For most people, infection with parvovirus B19 causes no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, rash, and joint pain. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have a chronic hemolytic blood disorder (like sickle cell disease) and are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Learn More

Patient Assistance Programs Lower Cost of COVID-19 Treatment  COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments Paxlovid and Lagevrio can reduce the risks of hospitalization and death if you’re at increased risk of getting very sick. Patient assistance programs are available to people who are prescribed treatment and are underinsured, uninsured, or on Medicare or Medicaid to lower their out-of-pocket costs. If you get COVID-19 and are prescribed COVID-19 treatment, enroll in these programs to learn if you can receive assistance for specific medications. Learn More

Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot  The Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data.

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Updates | Respiratory Viruses and the Holidays, World Pneumonia Day, and More! - 11/22/2024

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

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November 22, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

Reduce Your Risk from Respiratory Viruses This Holiday Season     While respiratory virus activity is currently at low levels overall around the country, CDC anticipates that will change. Peaks of respiratory disease activity usually happen from about December to February. Several different respiratory viruses spread more during fall and winter, including those that cause flu, COVID-19, and RSV illness.     The holidays are coming, and large gatherings, travel, and more time indoors can mean more viruses spreading. Fortunately, we have tools to help us stay healthy so we can enjoy the time we spend with our families, friends, and neighbors.  There’s still time to benefit from getting your recommended immunizations to reduce your risk of illness, especially severe illness and hospitalization.  For people who do get sick with flu and COVID-19, antiviral medications for each of these illnesses are recommended for people who are at higher risk of severe illness.  You can also protect yourself and others with everyday prevention actions, like covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation, staying home and away from others when you are sick (including people you live with), and washing hands often.

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World Pneumonia Day November 12 was World Pneumonia Day. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, with the majority of deaths occurring in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Immunizations and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of those deaths.   In the United States, CDC recommends 8 routine vaccines that can prevent pneumonia: COVID-19 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Influenza Measles Pertussis (whooping cough) Pneumococcal Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Varicella (chickenpox) Learn More

National Native American Heritage Month: Protecting American Indian and Alaska Native Families from RSV  Children who are American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) are 4–10 times more likely to get severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compared to children who are part of other communities.   Social determinants of health, such as lack of running water, household overcrowding, and poor indoor air quality, may contribute to these health disparities among AI/AN children compared to children in other communities. Addressing these underlying environmental factors is crucial to mitigating health disparities and promoting health equity among AI/AN children.   CDC recommends all babies be protected from severe RSV by one of two immunization options (most babies do not need both): A maternal RSV vaccine given to the mother during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy or An RSV antibody called nirsevimab, given to the baby after birth. Nirsevimab is also recommended for a small group of young children 8 through 19 months of age who are at increased risk for severe RSV.  This nirsevimab dose should be given shortly before the child’s second RSV season. This group includes: Children who were born prematurely and have chronic lung disease Children with severe immunocompromise Children with severe cystic fibrosis American Indian and Alaska Native children Learn More

Long COVID by Industry and Occupation  Long COVID is a serious illness that can affect your daily activities, reduce your ability to work, and may even result in a disability. New research shows that workers with Long COVID report higher rates of many functional disabilities and worse measures of well-being, compared to workers who did not have Long COVID. COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to prevent Long COVID, but additional prevention strategies are important for limiting the impact of future waves of respiratory viruses on workers and workforces. Learn More

Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot  The Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data.

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Updated Recommendations for COVID-19 and Pneumococcal Vaccinations - 10/30/2024

This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

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October 30, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

Vaccines are an effective tool for protecting Americans against the most severe effects of many infectious diseases. Last week, CDC updated its vaccine recommendations for COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease based on advice from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

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CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for People 65 Years and Older and for People Who are Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised     CDC has updated the vaccine recommendations for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine 6 months after their first dose. These updated recommendations also allow for flexibility for additional doses (i.e., three or more) for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their healthcare provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision making).   The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults and those who are immunocompromised, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness and year-round circulation of COVID-19. It also provides clarity to healthcare providers on how many doses should be given per year to people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and is meant to increase coverage of this second dose for that group.   Data continue to show that vaccination is important to protect the people most at risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19. Receiving the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of suffering the effects of Long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.   CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. CDC continues to recommend that everyone stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, especially people 65 years of age and older and people with weakened immune systems.

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CDC updates its recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination lowering the starting age for all adults to 50 years old    CDC now recommends adults get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease at 50 years old, lowering the age from 65 years.   Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.   Adults 50 years or older should talk with a healthcare provider to make sure they’re up to date with pneumococcal vaccination. Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season. Learn More

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd   Atlanta, GA 30329   1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)   TTY: 888-232-6348 Questions or Problems  |  Unsubscribe