Map showing the level of respiratory disease risk in the US, with dark red being the highest level
The New York Post reported on December 13 that New York City (New York State, USA) is one of the hot spots recording an increase in respiratory diseases this month, while authorities warn of an increase in cases nationwide.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously warned of a 30% increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations, with the highest rates among elderly and children.
Covid-19 is just one of several respiratory illnesses spreading in New York, as well as in most southern and southwestern states, along with California. These hot spots have high concentrations of Covid-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and seasonal flu.
The states of Georgia and South Carolina have the highest rates of these diseases.
"What we're hearing about is not any new virus or pathogen, but common seasonal illnesses that are probably coming together," said Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services, according to ABC News.
"The precautions are the same: if you are sick, stay home, wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, do not rub your eyes, nose or mouth, and keep your vaccinations up to date," the doctor advised.
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Hospitalizations for flu in the United States have also increased, with a total of 5,753 cases nationwide in the last week of November and early December. Hospitals in Washington state recommend that people wear masks indoors to prevent illness.
In October, Dr. Kristin Englund of the Cleveland Clinic predicted a surge in respiratory illnesses, stressing that the best way to protect yourself is to stay home when sick and wash your hands and frequently touched objects.
She stressed the importance of staying up to date on vaccines, especially Covid-19 vaccines, as SARS-CoV-2 continues to mutate. The CDC is currently monitoring the Omicron sub-variant JN.1, which accounts for about a fifth of cases in the US.
Covid-19 surges in Malaysia
In another development, The Straits Times reported that the number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia increased to 6,796 in the week from November 26 to December 2, compared to 3,626 cases the previous week.
Malaysian Health Ministry official Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said the rate of hospitalised Covid-19 patients, including suspected cases, was 3.5 per 100,000 people.
According to him, 72.9% of the variants of concern detected were Omicron, while Delta accounted for 26.2% and the remaining proportion were Beta and Alpha variants.
“So far, no new variants have been detected in Malaysia and there is no indication that the locally transmitted variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease,” he said.
The official stressed that despite the increase in Covid-19 cases, the situation in Malaysia remains under control and is not putting pressure on medical facilities.
"The increase in cases has been recorded globally. The health ministry will continue to monitor the situation and variants and prepare for any possible scenario," he said.
Covid-19 patients, especially those in high-risk groups, are advised to promptly consult a doctor if symptoms become severe.
People with symptoms should stay home and avoid crowded places. People with symptoms and high-risk groups should wear a mask if they must go out in public.
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