As the holiday season approaches, concerns about rising respiratory illnesses have prompted a discussion on vaccination efforts. In Michigan, emergency room visits for COVID-19 are slightly increasing, and influenza cases are beginning to rise, although they remain relatively low for now. Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, provides insights into the situation, emphasizing the importance of vaccines as a preventive measure.
Flu and Vaccination Insights
Despite the low current activity, Dr. Bagdasarian warns that flu cases are expected to rise, particularly due to increased travel and gatherings during the holidays. Wastewater testing in Michigan cities such as Ann Arbor and Traverse City indicates an upward trend in flu virus presence. With the peak flu season typically occurring between January and March, Dr. Bagdasarian assures that it is not too late to get vaccinated.
Addressing concerns about vaccine effectiveness, she explains, “So that 35% is not really a number that is talking strictly about match. It’s talking about reducing your risk for influenza-associated hospitalization.” She stresses that the vaccine’s role is to reduce severe illness and hospitalizations, not necessarily prevent all infections.
Challenges in Public Health Messaging
Dr. Bagdasarian points out that public understanding of vaccines needs refinement. Unlike the measles vaccine, flu vaccines aim to reduce severe outcomes rather than prevent every case. Highlighting the importance of protecting high-risk groups, she notes that many people still misunderstand the purpose of flu vaccines.
Vaccine uptake in Michigan has declined since 2019, with only 2.3 million residents vaccinated this year compared to 3 million in 2019. Vaccine coverage varies by region, with some counties reporting as low as 9-10% coverage. Dr. Bagdasarian attributes this decline partially to misinformation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and Immunity
COVID-19 cases in Michigan show a slight increase, with emergency department data indicating higher activity than flu. While approximately 98% of the population has some immunity, Dr. Bagdasarian emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with vaccinations to maintain protection against current variants.
She notes that immunity from previous vaccinations wanes over time, citing a decrease in vaccine efficacy from 50% to 14% after 120 days. “We are not looking necessarily to prevent every single case of COVID,” she explains, “but what we want to do is prevent deaths, hospitalization, admission to the ICU, people being put on ventilators.”
RSV Vaccination and Preventive Measures
A new RSV vaccine is available for older adults and certain high-risk groups, providing an additional layer of protection against respiratory illnesses. Dr. Bagdasarian also highlights the availability of an RSV monoclonal antibody for infants, marking a significant advancement in preventive care.
To combat the spread of these viruses, Dr. Bagdasarian advises maintaining healthy habits, such as adequate sleep and diet, alongside vaccination. She also encourages the use of over-the-counter tests for COVID-19 and flu, and reminds the public that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.
Finally, she urges those feeling unwell during the holidays to stay home to prevent spreading illnesses to others, emphasizing that the best way to care for loved ones is to prioritize their health and safety.
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