I decided it might be useful to review where we stand with regard to the various viral infections that have caused so much disruption, suffering and death. Covid Covid is still with us. All indications are that it will be for years to come. We hear less in the media about the threat from Covid. Nonetheless, the S D Dept of Health reported last week that there were 8 SD deaths attributed to Covid.
If you develop symptoms or know you have been in contact with an infected person the recommendations are the same. Test yourself – the home tests are very good. If you are positive, stay home. If your symptoms become more severe you should seek medical care.
Those folks who are unvaccinated, those over age 50 and especially over 65 and for those who with compromised immune systems, the risk is much higher. The oral drug Paxlovid has been clearly shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.
A new development. On March 1, the CDC recommended a second dose of the Covid vaccine for those at increased risk – especially all those over 65. INFLUENZA Seasonal influenza has caused more widespread problems than Covid. The number of cases and hospitalizations rose steadily until very recently. The rate now shows signs of leveling off and may be declining. To reduce your risk, get your flu shot. They clearly reduce the risk of severe disease. There are prescription medications which have some benefit but benefit is limited. RSV Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has always been a threat to infants and young children where it can cause very serious disease. In the last several years, however, RSV has caused serious disease and death among adults, especially the elderly. There is now an effective vaccine against RSV and, although solid data are hard to find, the impact of RSV this year seems to be substantially less than last year. MEASLES Measles is a disease which was first identified several hundred years ago. An effective and very safe vaccine has been available for more than 50 years. In the year 2000, because of widespread vaccination, there were zero new cases in the US – none. However, measles still exists in many counties around the world. From time to time infected individuals arrive in the US and lead to an outbreak. That is where we are now.
As of March 1, 2024, 41 new cases have been reported in the US. What is especially worrisome is that new cases havebeenreportedin16states. Measles vaccination has declined. That means there are now more susceptible children and measles is one of the most contagious of all viruses. Virtually all kids who contract measles get sick and some get very sick. Vaccinated kids have almost complete protection but among those who are not vaccinated roughly 20% will end up in the hospital and a few of those will die. This is a nearly totally preventable disease.
Historically, the availability of safe and effective vaccines is one of the greatest advances in the control of deadly infectious disease. But… they only work if we use them!