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

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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

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CDC Updates | How to Protect Yourself in Respiratory Virus Season, Wild to Mild, Free COVID-19 Tests, and More! - 10/18/2024

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October 18, 2024 This message includes updates on respiratory viruses from CDC.

Respiratory Virus Season: How to Protect Yourself and Others      As we welcome fall, it is a great time to make sure you and your family are taking steps to prevent respiratory diseases, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. CDC’s respiratory virus guidance can help you stay healthy so you can continue to enjoy all the things you love to do this time of year.   We recommend that everyone use these core prevention strategies: Stay up to date with immunizations Practice good hygiene  Take steps for cleaner air When you may have a respiratory virus: Take steps to prevent spread Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; early treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness You can also choose any or all of these additional strategies to further protect yourself and others: masks, physical distancing, and tests.   Every year, respiratory diseases such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV cause hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths during the fall and winter virus season. There are more tools than ever to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from these diseases.

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Don’t Forget Your Flu Shot   Flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor's visits each year. Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. During seasons when flu vaccines are similar to circulating flu viruses, a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%. For people who get vaccinated but still get sick, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce severity of illness.   Everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from flu.   Ideally, people should get vaccinated by the end of October. Most health insurance plans cover an annual flu vaccine as preventive care. Flu vaccination is often available at no or low cost to people who do not have insurance. Learn More

Order Four Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Today  Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others.   Ordering tests is easy and takes only a few minutes. Visit COVIDTests.gov and have over-the-counter tests delivered right to your mailbox.   The U.S. government also continues to make COVID-19 tests available to people who are uninsured and underserved communities through existing outreach programs, ranging from local food banks to libraries. Free or low-cost testing also may be available at certain health centers and Increasing Community Access to Testing locations near you. Learn More

Global Handwashing Day  On October 15, CDC joined with global partners and colleagues to celebrate Global Handwashing Day and raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap and water. Handwashing with soap and water is simple and inexpensive, and it can significantly reduce the number of young children who get sick.   Hygiene, or practices that improve cleanliness, is a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses. Steps you can take: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Learn and use proper handwashing technique. Teach children the correct way to wash their hands. Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs, regularly. 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.  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