Amid a “tripledemic”, health officers in the Bay Area shared guidelines to safely navigate the upcoming holiday season, following an increase in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases. COVID-19 hospitalizations grew by 48% in California over a month, and it now accounts for a larger share of deaths. COVID-related hospitalizations continued to rise nationally, as predicted by the CDC Director. Data indicates that COVID levels are high and continue to trend upwards. Wastewater data from the CDC points to a rise in influenza and RSV cases, along with high outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses. Vaccination against COVID-19, flu, and RSV, prompt testing for symptoms, and targeted masking are recommended as protective measures. Only 15% of adults above 60 have received healthcare officials express concern over these trends and urge caution during the holiday season. They also advise masking in indoor public spaces, advising people over 65 or immunocompromised to consider utilizing well-fitting face coverings. Health officials are keeping an eye out for an increase in respiratory infections in children, with about 75% of pediatric hospital beds in use nationally.
Stay Healthy in the Bay Area: Tips for Managing COVID, Flu, and RSV Outbreaks
