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Feeling like everyone is sick? These viruses are circulating
NBC 5 Chicago • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC reports unusual increases in several respiratory illnesses this season, including acute upper respiratory infections, sore throats, pneumonia, and bronchitis, leading some hospitals to limit visitors due to rising cases.
- Group A strep infections rose with the return to school but have recently stabilized; these infections can range from strep throat and scarlet fever to more serious conditions like toxic shock syndrome.
- Rhinovirus, enterovirus, and respiratory adenovirus cases are elevated nationally, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and congestion, with no vaccines available, so prevention relies on hygiene and staying home when sick.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or walking pneumonia, remains low overall but may be responsible for some chest colds and pneumonia cases, while whooping cough continues to circulate, posing risks especially to infants under one year.
- Health experts emphasize vaccination for whooping cough and recommend standard infection control measures to mitigate the spread of these respiratory viruses.
