The flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Covid-19 still get some people sick in the region. However, the number of respiratory illnesses has dropped dramatically in recent weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, as of April 4, respiratory cases are low across the United States.
The amount of flu activity is dropping. Covid-19 and RSV have fallen to low levels nationally. While most of the country is doing well, the CDC reports flu cases in Maryland are still at a moderate level even though the amount of disease has shown signs of decreasing across the state.
Fewer Hospitalizations
Montgomery County Health Officer, Dr. Kisha Davis, tells MCM hospitals are treating fewer people for respiratory viruses. She said that is a welcome sign.
“We’ve had two consecutive weeks of hospitalizations falling to less than 10 patients for every 100,000 people. That means healthcare facilities can now relax masking policies,” Davis said.
Tough Flu Season
This flu season has been particularly harsh across the country. The CDC reports some staggering numbers. Influenza already has infected at least 44 million people. That has led to 580,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths. Nearly 160 children are among those who died.
“This was a record flu season, the highest we’ve seen in about 15 years, but it seems we have now finally turned the curve,” Davis said.
Covid-19 Still Circulating
Meantime, Covid-19 remains deadly. The CDC reports the virus has killed more than 9,000 people over the past three months across the country.
Overall, more than 1.2 million people in the United States have died from Covid-19 since the pandemic first began more than 5 years ago. Maryland has had more than 18,000 deaths from the virus, and the County has lost at least 2,600 residents.
Vaccines Offer Best Protection
Health officials say vaccines can help prevent or lessen the symptoms of these respiratory viruses. The CDC says fewer than half of all adults have received a flu vaccine this year. The agency says only 12.8% of children and 23% of adults have received the latest Covid-19 vaccine. In the past, the County has had a high success rate for vaccinations. About 90% of residents received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, and more than 80% received at least two. However, immunity wanes over time and fewer people are getting their booster shots. Doctors still recommend vaccines for high-risk groups such as people over 65, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women.
