In the midst of the holiday season, as families gather and merriment fills the air, there is an unwelcome guest lurking. No, it's not the Grinch stealing Christmas joy, but rather a less festive visitor: the flu and COVID-19. Brace yourselves, my dear readers, for health officials predict that these infections are about to ramp up in the coming weeks. And what's to blame? Well, we have a combination of holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated individuals, and a new version of the coronavirus that seems to be spreading with alarming ease.
Now, it seems like the flu has decided to join the party, as high levels of flu-like illnesses were reported in 17 states last week, up from 14 the previous week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sounded the alarm, reminding us that our desire to see loved ones and travel during this season only contributes to the mixing pot of viral spread. Dr. Manisha Patel from the CDC expressed her concern, stating the obvious: 'Folks are traveling a lot more this season. They want to see their families. And all of that sort of adds to the mix.'
