Coronavirus and flu could jam hospitals over holidays, scientists warn [View all]
Though coronavirus cases are declining throughout Virginia, public health officials worry the high level this month could create a bigger springboard for a holiday surge than last year.
The caseload entering this October was three times larger than in October 2020, according to a recent analysis by infectious disease modelers at the University of Virginia’s Biocomplexity Institute. With 2.7 million Virginians still completely unvaccinated, there’s enough opportunity for a repeat of last year’s wave.
Beyond COVID-19, health officials are concerned the flu season could add more stress to hospitals. Though a so-called “twindemic” never happened last year, it could this season. Experts say it’s unlikely Virginians will match the record flu vaccination numbers of 2020, and fewer lockdown restrictions and prevention measures may make it easier for either virus to spread.
A severe flu could tip hospitalizations over the edge to exceed last January’s peak, according to the university analysis.
Read more: https://www.pilotonline.com/news/health/vp-nw-coronavirus-cases-oct-17-20211016-am456mx47jhj3py7ag56mbnrta-story.html
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