COVID-19, RSV, and flu ranges are ‘very excessive’ in most Mountain West states, CDC says

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) tracks the share of physician or emergency division visits for respiratory sickness, such because the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Through the first week of January 2024, respiratory sickness ranges have been thought-about very excessive in Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, and excessive in Utah.

That led to an increase in emergency division visits for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV in every state, in response to the CDC. In Utah, 11.4% of the overall emergency division visits have been related to viral respiratory sickness. Not far behind was New Mexico at 10.8%, adopted by Wyoming (9.9%), Idaho (8.7%), Colorado (8.2%), and Nevada (6.4%).

Adam Vasquez, an epidemiologist with Northern Nevada Public Well being, stated early January is often “the guts of respiratory sickness season.”

“Everyone’s gathering indoors extra, so there’s much less air flow,” Vasquez continued. “That’s one of many main factors for prevention is having correct filtration, air flow within the house. However, clearly, when the home windows are all closed up in the midst of winter, it’s just a little harder.”

With that in thoughts, Vasquez stated the perfect prevention measure folks can take is staying updated on vaccinations. He famous that it’s not too late for folks to get a seasonal flu and COVID-19 shot, and an RSV vaccine, if eligible.

This story was produced by the Mountain West Information Bureau, a collaboration between Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Colorado and KANW in New Mexico, with assist from affiliate stations throughout the area. Funding for the Mountain West Information Bureau is offered partially by the Company for Public Broadcasting.