CDC warns of an imminent spike in COVID, flu cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday warned Americans against an impending rise in the transmission of respiratory viruses, particularly COVID and flu, in the coming weeks as the holiday season approaches.

Respiratory disease activity typically peaks in the U.S. from around December to February, with flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) dominating the transmissions during fall and winter.

While the virus activity remains low countrywide currently, “CDC anticipates that will change,” the agency said, adding that the southern and eastern U.S. has already seen a rise in RSV activity, particularly among children.

“The holidays are coming, and large gatherings, travel, and more time indoors can mean more viruses spreading,” the agency said.

Noting that many Americans have yet to receive flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, the CDC emphasized that “the most important action is getting the immunizations recommended for you.”

Makers of COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)/ BioNTech (BNTX), Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) and Novavax (NVAX).

RSV vaccine developers: Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), GSK (NYSE:GSK), Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA).

Flu vaccine makers include Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) (OTCPK:SNYNF) (GCVRZ), GSK (NYSE:GSK), CSL Limited (OTCQX:CSLLY) (OTCQX:CMXHF), and AstraZeneca (AZN),