As the respiratory illness season ramps up across the United States, many health experts are raising concerns about the potential effects on children, especially given low vaccination rates this year. The season, which has had a slow start, could see a rapid increase in hospitalizations, reminiscent of trends observed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) forecasts that this year’s respiratory virus hospitalizations could exceed pre-pandemic levels. Currently, COVID-19 levels are at their lowest since the pandemic began, declining consistently. However, emergency room visits for flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are beginning to trend upward, indicating that the respiratory season is gaining momentum.

Dr. Andy Pekosz, a virologist from Johns Hopkins University, noted that we typically see an increase in respiratory illness cases about a week after Thanksgiving. The extent of this surge leading up to the Christmas holidays will provide crucial information regarding the trajectory of the season.

Vaccination Rates Remain Concerning

A significant factor influencing the severity of this respiratory illness season is vaccination uptake. CDC data reveals that vaccination rates for COVID-19 remain dismally low, with less than 20% of adults and about 8% of children receiving the updated vaccine. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that around 60% of adults do not plan to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, primarily due to perceptions of its necessity or concerns over side effects.

The flu vaccine uptake is also alarmingly low, with only approximately 37% of adults and 33% of children vaccinated so far this season. Experts like Elizabeth Choma, a pediatric nurse, emphasize that while vaccines do not offer total immunity, they provide critical protection that can prevent severe illness, especially among children.

Unique Risks for Children

Children face particularly acute risks from respiratory diseases due to their smaller airways and reliance on nasal breathing. This makes conditions like RSV, which can be mild for adults, particularly dangerous for infants and young children. The CDC statistics show a sharp rise in RSV hospitalizations for children, with numbers more than double those from a month earlier, stressing the urgent need for vaccination and preventive measures.

In addition to RSV, other respiratory conditions, such as walking pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, are on the rise among young children. Hospitals across the U.S. are starting to feel the strain, with pediatric units reporting increased hospitalizations for pneumonia and RSV.

Hospitals Feeling the Strain

Health systems, especially pediatric hospitals, are bracing for a challenging season. In Fort Worth, Texas, Cook Children’s Medical Center has reported nearing capacity due to rising cases of respiratory illnesses.

This uptick in infections could be exacerbated by environmental factors like pollen and mold, which are likely to increase with colder weather, pushing families indoors and escalating the spread of illnesses. Dr. David Marcello from Virginia Commonwealth University emphasizes the importance of ensuring pediatric patients have access to specialized care during peak respiratory seasons.

Conclusion

As the respiratory illness season intensifies, the combination of low vaccination rates and increased cases of serious respiratory conditions presents a troubling scenario for children. Health experts urge families to consider vaccination as a key strategy to reduce the severity of illnesses and protect vulnerable populations. As the holiday season approaches, increased indoor gatherings might further complicate the situation, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness.