Holiday viral exchange could worsen Minnesota's flu, RSV, COVID numbers

The worst of the respiratory virus season is likely coming in Minnesota, infectious disease experts predicted Thursday, despite a recent decline in hospitalizations of children with RSV.

The 355 influenza-related hospitalizations in Minnesota in the week ending Nov. 26 was an increase from 319 a week earlier, according to the state's update on Thursday. That trajectory means Minnesota, at best, is a month or two ahead of typical flu patterns or, at worst, is on the precipice of a severe viral season.

"Things are going to get worse before they get better," said Patsy Stinchfield, a Children's Minnesota nurse practitioner and president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

https://www.startribune.com/holiday-viral-exchange-could-worsen-minnesotas-flu-rsv-covid-numbers/600231965/