CMO Update November 1, 2022

While ghouls and goblins are frightening sights, the increasing threat of a triple-demic of influenza – RSV – COVID-19 is actually quite worrisome across our markets right now. Please remain committed to our safety protocols, get your flu shot and booster. They have protected us well so far and let’s all stay healthy this last fall and winter season so we can truly put COVID in the rear view mirror!!

Influenza Flu-related hospitalizations in U.S. reach highest levels since 2009 H1N1 swine flu pandemic CDC data revealed estimated 880,000 cases of lab-confirmed influenza illnesses, 6,900 hospitalizations and 360 flu-related deaths nationally already this season, with H3N2 the predominant viral strain. Epidemic flu levels in Chile portend a severe season for northern hemisphere, with higher intensity and atypical timing. Flu hospitalizations are rising across all age groups, especially children, and are worse in the Southeast and South-Central states from Texas to Georgia, and moving up the Atlantic coast. QDP FLU VACCINE PROGRAM is underway. PLEASE get your shot to protect you and safeguard your family, friends, teammates and especially our vulnerable patients!!

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) RSV is surging nationwide, among babies, children, the elderly and even healthy kids and adults I was at my wife’s General Pediatrics party on Friday night (held outdoors) and the Chair at Wake Forest told me the entire Children’s Hospital and ICU is full of RSV and the adult hospital is also overflowing. This common viral infection was nearly non-existent the last two winters, when it generally spreads like cold and flu. Many pregnant mothers did not get RSV and did not pass antibodies to their babies, while COVID infants and toddlers have no immunity built up due to exceedingly low levels of RSV since the pandemic began. There is no specific treatment except supportive care so prevention is important. Hand and cough hygiene, staying home if sick, and all the standard safety precautions remain our best strategies.

COVID-19 The Omicron BA.5 subvariant is no longer the dominant cause of COVID-19 infections in the United States. Offshoots of BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 are now responsible for majority of new infections with two escape variants, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 growing especially fast, now accounting >25% new COVID-19 infections. Natural and vaccine immunity still show effectiveness; no evidence of increased severity; boosters are still recommended and especially for >50, healthcare workers, those at higher risk or in close contact. This figure from Dr Eric Topol demonstrates the various factors related to the new COVID booster with a weighting scale (the font size correlates to the preponderance of scientific evidence).

Please contact me with any questions or suggestions at health@qualderm.com. Stay well! Dr. A

Questions or Comments?

Please send any questions or comments to the QDP Health Information inbox: health@qualderm.com