CDC director Mandy Cohen released a video this week about how to take precautions this winter as the pirola clan outpaces previously dominant COVID-19 variants, alongside the rise of other respiratory viruses across the country. In the video, Cohen said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are “elevated.” COVID-19 is starting to increase again, and pneumonia cases are also on the rise. Cohen specifies the CDC hasn’t seen anything new in terms of viruses or sickness.
Still, she recommends taking specific precautions for people to protect themselves, like getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine, this season’s influenza vaccine, and the RSV vaccine for those over the age of 60. Additional layers of protection, she said, include washing your hands, improving ventilation, and wearing a mask.
