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Respiratory Virus Update
The winter wave of respiratory viruses has shifted, with influenza A and RSV rates far below their November peaks. COVID transmission remains steady in many parts of the United States, and other respiratory viruses (e.g., adenovirus) continue to cause febrile respiratory illness in children and adults.
- A late winter or spring wave of influenza B may still be ahead of us, thus it is still worth getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization from influenza.
- Most COVID infections in our region are due to Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5, with a small share due to BQ.1.1 and BQ.1.
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The COVID Community Transmission Level in the District is “substantial” and the levels in the surrounding suburbs are “high.”
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All Omicron subvariants are susceptible to Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir), remdesivir, and the less effective alternative oral option, molnupiravir. Please see these updated COVID treatment guidelines.
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Staying home when sick and masking around others are the best ways to prevent spread of COVID and all respiratory viral infections.
Vaccines
- COVID vaccine boosters reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, especially in persons who are more likely to experience these severe outcomes.
- COVID boosters are available for persons age 12 and up who have completed a primary series or been boosted at least two months ago. The vaccine is bivalent, containing spike proteins from Omicron subvariants BA4/5 as well as the original strain. GW MFA is offering the COVID booster on a walk-in basis at the GW MFA Pharmacy for patients, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Patients can stop by the pharmacy before or after their visit.
The GW MFA Pharmacy is able to offer almost all vaccines on a walk-in basis, including to employees, but clinics should offer to administer the flu vaccine if a patient is already in the clinic for an appointment.
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