Week 7 - Epidemiology of COVID-19 and RSV

Question 1

Does the CDC continue to monitor emerging variants of COVID 19?

Answer 1

Yes, CDC continues to monitor emerging variants, like the sub-lineages of Omicron, including prevalence and impact on disease incidence, severity, and vaccine effectiveness over time

Question 2

What is the variation in rates of severe illness related to?

Answer 2

Variation in rates of severe illness related to community transmission and emerging variants; increasing proportion of severe illness occurring in older adults, especially 75+ years, and infants and children <2 years

Question 3

What are Risks factors for Severe COVID 19?

Answer 3

Unvaccinated people are at higher risk of severe illness compared with vaccinated people

Most (75%) vaccinated people with severe COVID-19 illness have multiple risk factors:
– Older age (most ≥65 years, but with risk increasing with age)
– Underlying medical conditions (with risk increasing with the number of underlying conditions)

Antiviral drugs can help reduce the risk of severe illness in people at higher risk, regardless of vaccination status

Question 4

Is it important to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination and why?

Answer 4

Yes, it is important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, including updated boosters in eligible populations, to protect against severe COVID-19 illness

Question 5

What should be used to protect people at higher risk of severe COVID-19?

Answer 5

Therapeutics and multiple prevention measures (e.g., masks, ventilation)
should be used to protect people at higher risk of severe COVID-19,
regardless of vaccination status

Question 6

How is the RSV pandemic changing in seasonality after the peak of the pandemic?

Answer 6

RSV seasonality is shifting back to trends that were observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

In anticipation of the onset of the 2023-2024 RSV season, CDC encourages clinicians to prepare to implement new RSV prevention options

Question 6

What is the leading cause of hospitalization in U.S. infants?

Answer 6

RSV

Question 7

Who is at higher risk of RSV hospitalization?

Answer 7

Adults with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of RSV hospitalization