All articles tagged with #rsv
In a laboratory study, the inexpensive anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin reduced replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in human airway cells after infection, while aspirin showed no effect, suggesting a potential antiviral angle but not yet clinical evidence and requiring more research before RSV treatment use.
CIHI data show hospitalizations for vaccine‑preventable respiratory diseases in Canada more than doubled in 2024 versus 2019 (about 142 per 100,000 people vs 66). Nearly 60,000 such hospitalizations occurred in 2024, with influenza and RSV making up over half and COVID contributing more than 40%. Vaccination uptake has fallen, with only about 26% of adults vaccinated for COVID in 2024 and as low as 63% for flu among older adults; experts warn reduced vaccination fuels hospital strain. Average cost per COVID hospitalization was around $29,000 with lengthy stays, underscoring the system impact and the need for easier access and renewed booster campaigns, especially for seniors.
Flu, COVID-19 (including BA.3.2), RSV and norovirus are circulating this spring; their symptoms overlap, so you need a test to know which virus you have. Local wastewater data and community trends help gauge which virus is dominant where you live, and vaccination or boosters may be advised based on personal risk and local conditions.
Maia Knight posted a TikTok update about her 8‑month‑old son, who tested positive for Influenza A in late 2025 and has since battled lingering symptoms, including vomiting when solids were reintroduced and a possible RSV; a trip during which he had trouble breathing led to a 911 call, and doctors have ruled out pyloric stenosis while suggesting the GI issues may be virus‑related. She admits ongoing anxiety but remains hopeful as she tries to figure out what’s going on.
Doctors urge people over 50 to get up to date on vaccines this March, as aging immune systems raise the risk of serious illness from flu, COVID-19, RSV, and shingles. Key vaccines to consider include the influenza shot, updated COVID boosters, RSV (especially for those 50–74 at risk or over 75), shingles (zoster), pneumococcal, and Td/Tdap boosters; some may also need MMR and varicella based on risk. Vaccines are widely available at primary care clinics, pharmacies, and local health departments, and getting them can reduce hospitalizations and long-term complications. In addition to vaccines, a healthy lifestyle and planning for fall vaccinations are advised.
In her first staff address, FDA’s top drug regulator Tracy Beth Høeg pledges tougher safety monitoring of antidepressants used in pregnancy and RSV monoclonal antibodies for infants, signaling a broader push to reexamine oversight and encouraging staff to question norms.
With flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses circulating together, doctors urge getting key vaccines now. The flu vaccine is recommended through February, and boosters for COVID-19, a TDaP booster, and vaccines for RSV and pneumococcus are advised for eligible groups, especially adults over 65. Vaccination reduces risk of severe illness, hospitalization and community spread, even if you still contract some viruses. Vaccines are widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies and health departments, and immunity takes about two weeks to develop. February isn’t too late to get protected and help ease winter healthcare strain.
CDC reports that after a three‑week decline, flu activity is rising across the U.S. while RSV and COVID-19 remain elevated in various states (13 states with higher flu, 21 with RSV, 11 with COVID growth). Overall acute respiratory illness is still low to moderate, but infants face the highest RSV hospitalizations and ED visits. There have been eight additional pediatric flu deaths this season (52 total), and flu hospitalizations have reached about 15,080. Influenza A(H3N2) remains dominant with subclade K mutations that may help it evade vaccine immunity. Vaccination remains encouraged and not too late, though uptake is low; wastewater data show high levels of COVID-19, flu, and RSV in several states.
The American Academy of Pediatrics released updated childhood vaccination guidelines, including a RSV vaccine, and many doctors and an increasing number of states are following the AAP guidance over the CDC’s revised schedule. Officials say the science is the same, but the policy shift—with about 28 states reportedly deviating from federal guidance by Jan 20—signals a major change in public health strategy and trust dynamics, as clinicians emphasize following established pediatric recommendations and informing families.
Geisinger’s Lackawanna and Luzerne counties hospitals are operating above 100% capacity amid a surge in respiratory viruses (influenza, RSV and COVID-19) and more patients choosing Geisinger as Commonwealth Health faces uncertainty; officials urge patients to seek appropriate care—primary care, telehealth, or urgent care—rather than defaulting to emergency departments for mild to moderate symptoms—to help relieve strain and ensure timely care for those with serious conditions.
New data reinforce that RSV vaccines dramatically reduce hospitalizations, with pregnancy-based protection around 70% and newborn monoclonal antibodies about 81%, and four JAMA studies confirm declines. Despite this, the administration’s restrictions to high‑risk infants could raise RSV hospitalizations and complicate vaccine logistics in a fragmented US system. Safety reviews are underway after trial deaths, though officials say there’s no proven vaccine link, and many countries rely on universal prenatal vaccination.
US respiratory virus activity is high, driven by flu and RSV, with increasing hospitalizations and pediatric deaths, while COVID-19 levels remain low but rising; recent changes to vaccination recommendations have sparked controversy, and overall vaccination coverage remains suboptimal.
During winter, the most common viruses doctors are seeing include the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold, with flu being the most prevalent. Vaccinations, good hygiene, and staying home when sick are key to prevention.
Vaccines not only protect older adults from specific diseases like shingles, R.S.V., and influenza but also offer additional benefits such as reducing the risk of dementia and decreasing hospitalization rates, highlighting their broader health advantages.
Minnesota is experiencing a surge in flu cases, nearly tripling in two weeks, with over 5,000 positive tests and nearly 2,000 hospitalizations, especially among seniors. While COVID-19 and RSV cases are lower, they are also rising, prompting health officials to recommend vaccination, mask-wearing, and good hygiene to prevent severe illness and outbreaks.