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RSV and other virus rates are low right now, though the holidays could change that
Health officials say respiratory viruses like RSV are relatively low, but that could change after the holidays.
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MARTIN BUREAU
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AFP via Getty Images
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Topline:
While flu, RSV and COVID-19 are relatively low right now, health officials say that could change in the coming weeks, especially after the holidays.
What’s new: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles says they’re seeing a later season this year. Last year, the peak positivity rate for RSV, which is especially dangerous for infants, was 25.8% in early December. Right now, only about 10% of children are testing positive. Cases in Orange County are also down. Children’s Hospital of Orange County says from October to Nov. 16, they've had 67 cases compared to 293 last year.
Flashback to why it matters: In the past two years, RSV strained many hospitals around the country starting in the fall.
Rising numbers: RSV is currently at low levels in California and in the western United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the rate is rising. The peak season for RSV usually is between December and February.
Vaccinations: Health officials are urging pregnant people in the third trimester to get vaccinated for RSV, as well as babies whose mothers didn’t get the vaccine while pregnant.
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