Respiratory illnesses increasing as fall approaches in California
As fall approaches, respiratory illnesses are beginning to rise in California, with health officials noting increases in strep throat, common colds, and COVID-19 cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that strep throat infections are increasing as children return to school. Common cold viruses are also on the rise, and while flu and RSV activity remain low nationwide, they are expected to increase in the coming weeks.
California is also seeing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases.
“It’s a late summer surge, later than last year, but this is the highest number of COVID cases that we’ve seen since last summer’s surge, so the activity level right now is very high,” said Dr. Dean Blumberg of UC Davis Health Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are now available and recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. RSV vaccinations are also available for infants, older adults, and pregnant women, who can receive the shot in late pregnancy.
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