AMA Update: Rising Cases of Respiratory Viruses

TLDRRespiratory viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are currently circulating in high numbers across the country. CDC reports elevated respiratory illnesses in 38 states, with 21 experiencing very high activity. Flu cases are increasing dramatically, while RSV cases have plateaued or decreased. COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and the JN.1 variant is responsible for 61% of cases. Widespread masking is not expected, but some hospital systems have resumed mask mandates. Paxlovid has been found to reduce the risk of death by 73% for high-risk patients, but its low uptake remains a concern. Hydroxychloroquine, on the other hand, has been linked to potential harm and increased mortality.

Key insights

❗️Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are currently circulating in high numbers across the country.

📈Flu cases are increasing dramatically, while RSV cases have plateaued or decreased.

😷Widespread masking is not expected, but some hospital systems have resumed mask mandates.

💊Paxlovid has been found to reduce the risk of death by 73% for high-risk patients, but its low uptake remains a concern.

⚠️Hydroxychloroquine has been linked to potential harm and increased mortality.

Q&A

What respiratory viruses are currently circulating?

—RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are currently circulating in high numbers.

Are flu cases increasing?

—Yes, flu cases are increasing dramatically.

Are mask mandates being reinstated?

—Some hospital systems have resumed mask mandates.

How effective is Paxlovid?

—Paxlovid has been found to reduce the risk of death by 73% for high-risk patients.

What are the potential harms of hydroxychloroquine?

—Hydroxychloroquine has been linked to increased mortality.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Respiratory viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19 are currently circulating in high numbers across the country.

08:49Paxlovid has been found to reduce the risk of death by 73% for high-risk patients, but its low uptake remains a concern.

10:42Hydroxychloroquine has been linked to potential harm and increased mortality.

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