From Time, Inc.:

U.S. hospitals have been responding to the seasonal spike in flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses by reimposing mask mandates and more stringent visitor guidelines. The CDC is predicting heightened cases well into January, and vaccinations are on the decline, officials say.

Health officials predict an increase in illnesses in the post-holiday period, and estimates for hospitalizations and deaths continue to rise. Despite an expected decrease in cases by the end of the month, restrictions and preventative measures are in place to curb the spread.

Flu and COVID-19 cases have already started to rise in 31 states, with the flu taking an especially severe toll as cases continue to accelerate by the millions in the first week of January.

The CDC is urging people to get vaccinated and the public to take necessary precautions amidst the accelerating flu cases. Unfortunately, updated statistics from the CDC have revealed disappointing vaccination rates.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are down from last year, and the omicron variant is accounting for a significant portion of cases this winter. The CDC and other health organizations are keeping a careful watch on the new variant, but no evidence has surfaced showing that it’s causing a more severe form of the virus.

While the restrictions in place have been effective in decreasing RSV in some areas, diseases like RSV and COVID-19 have taken a toll on hospitals and communities, making it necessary for hospitals to be more stringent in their protocols.

The holiday season has led to a 65% increase in respiratory illnesses, resulting in stricter visitor limitations at one hospital. Children and babies are now more susceptible to multiple diseases at a time due to the seasonal spike in illnesses in the community.



Read more: Soaring COVID and flu cases, described as ‘moderately severe’ in number, are prompting hospitals to restore mask mandates